You’ve claimed and optimized your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), and now it’s time to take things up a notch. One feature that can really elevate your customer experience is integrating your profile with third-party booking and appointment tools through Google’s “Reserve with Google” feature. This allows customers to book appointments, make reservations, or schedule services directly from your Google Business Profile without even needing to visit your website.
So, how do you get started? Let’s break it down.
Who Can Use Google Reserve?
First things first—let’s talk about eligibility. Not every business can take advantage of Google Reserve. It’s primarily available to businesses in categories like dining, activities, beauty, fitness, home services, and financial services. You’ll need to meet a few criteria to qualify:
Physical Location: Your business must have a physical location with a verified address that matches Google Maps, or be a service-area business participating in the Google Guaranteed or Google Screened programs.
Service Type: Only certain types of services are supported, especially in wellness, fitness, spa, beauty, and financial sectors.
Location: Your business needs to be in a country where Google Reserve is offered.
Wondering if you’re eligible? If you see a “Bookings” option in the ‘Edit Profile’ section of your Google Business Profile, you’re in luck. If not, you might have to wait until Google rolls it out more broadly.
Which Platforms Work with Google Reserve?
There’s a growing list of third-party platforms that integrate seamlessly with Google Reserve. Some of the big players include:
Appointy: Ideal for almost any business segment.
Bookeo: Great for service providers, schools, studios, and tour operators.
Eat App: Perfect for restaurant reservations.
Fresha: Designed for salons and spas.
Square Appointments: Popular for scheduling and point-of-sale needs.
Wix: A CMS with various useful integrations.
To see the full list of compatible platforms, you can check Google’s official page.
How to Set Up Reserve with Google
If you’re eligible and already using one of the compatible third-party platforms, setting up Reserve with Google is a breeze:
Access Your Google Business Profile: Go to the ‘Edit Profile’ section and click on “Bookings.”
Select Your Provider: Choose the third-party scheduling tool you’re already using.
Follow the Provider’s Setup Instructions: Most providers have detailed guides on how to link their service with Google Reserve. You’ll likely need to log in to your account and follow the prompts.
Google usually takes about a week to sync everything up, so don’t panic if you don’t see instant results.
What Does It Look Like in Action?
Once everything is set up, your profile will feature a shiny new “Book” button right in your Google Business Profile, whether on desktop or mobile. This button allows users to view available services, select a date and time, and confirm their booking—all without leaving Google.
Customers will receive a confirmation email (and potentially a text message), making the process smooth and straightforward.
How to Track Your Success
Tracking your success with Reserve with Google is crucial to understanding its impact on your business. In the “Promote” section of your Google Business Profile, you’ll find a “Performance” tab. Here, you can monitor:
Number of Bookings: See how many appointments are being made through Google.
Revenue: Track how much money these bookings are bringing in.
Popular Services: Identify which services are getting the most attention.
These insights can help you tweak your offerings and marketing strategies to maximize your ROI.
The Pros and Cons of Reserve with Google
Pros:
Streamlined Booking Process: Customers can book directly from your profile without visiting your website, reducing friction.
Attract New Customers: According to some surveys, most bookings made through Google Reserve are from new customers.
Cons:
Limited Customization: If your services require complex sign-ups (like waivers or pre-qualification), Reserve with Google might not be the best fit.
Terms of Service: You’ll need to comply with both Google’s and your provider’s terms, so make sure you’re aware of the fine print.
What If You Want to Turn Off Bookings?
Decide that Reserve with Google isn’t for you? No problem. Simply contact your third-party scheduling provider to unlink your Google Business Profile from their platform.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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