Have you ever wondered why your phone isn’t ringing off the hook with new appointments, even though your business is easy to find online? If you’re tired of missed opportunities and want to turn Google searches into real bookings, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how Google Business Profile (GBP) can become your secret weapon for filling your calendar.
Understanding the Power of GBP's 'Book Now' Feature
Imagine you run a cozy neighborhood bakery. Every morning, you prep fresh pastries, but by afternoon, you notice empty tables. You know people are searching for the “best bakery near me,” but how do you get them to walk through your door-or better yet, reserve a table or order ahead?
That’s where Google Business Profile’s ‘Book Now’ feature comes in. With this tool, customers see a prominent “Book Online” or “Order Now” button directly on your Google listing in Search and Maps. Instead of calling or navigating to your website, they can reserve a table, pre-order a cake, or schedule a pickup in just a few clicks.
When customers click the booking button, they can select their desired party size, date, and time, then provide their contact information before confirming their request. This seamless booking process is fully integrated with Google’s ecosystem, syncing with the customer’s calendar and sending automatic reminders to reduce no-shows. For businesses like bakeries, salons, fitness studios, and more, this feature transforms casual browsers into confirmed customers-no extra effort required.
Setting Up Direct Bookings on Your GBP
You have two primary options for enabling bookings through your Google Business Profile:
Option 1: Partner with Reserve with Google
This approach connects your business with verified scheduling providers. Here’s how to set it up:
- Log into your GBP account and navigate to the “Bookings”
- Choose from Google’s list of booking partners (such as La Fourchette or Bookatable).
- Follow the provider-specific steps to link your scheduling tool.
- Your booking button should appear on your profile within a week.
