Smartphones are being used by more consumers to perform everyday tasks. Even with the growing use of smartphones, online booking isn’t just for people on the go. Consumers should also be able to schedule home services no matter where they are or what they are doing.

Are you working from a desktop computer at work? Clients can schedule an appointment online.

Using a tablet while on vacation? They can leave an online review.

And if they have a smartphone? They can do the same. Invoices can be paid online.

You can get real benefits from online booking software when it comes to your business. Below are a few major benefits your home service company gains from online booking software.

24/7 Hassle-Free Booking

Despite the fact that your business closes each day, current and future customers still need your services. 40% of online bookings occur after a business’s regular business hours, according to research. Additionally, roughly one-third of consumers looking for a service provider are more likely to choose one with online scheduling capabilities.

Stronger Google (and Social Media) Presence

In order to grow your business consistently, increasing your exposure on Google is essential, specifically with local or “near me” searches. The majority of scheduling providers are aware of this as well, connecting their software to Google’s most popular tools.

Your business can be found by searching Google or Google Maps and booked directly from the results page or your Google My Business listing. Local searches are crucial to increasing your business.

Marketing and advertising through online booking platforms are also more dynamic. Your appointment platform can be linked directly to ads you place on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram, increasing the likelihood of booking conversions.

Better Time Management for Your Team

Appointment platforms that offer more than self-service for customers are the best. Furthermore, robust software options can integrate oversight into your service team’s schedules to improve time management.

Automating schedules keeps your staff off the phone and reduces the likelihood of human error. A team free from fielding calls is one that can focus on providing superb services.

Reduction in Cancelled or Missed Appointments

When home service booking was in its infancy, you trusted the client to remember their appointment. You also didn’t have a consistent way of confirming the appointment. Over time, your field teams missed or canceled a fair number of service calls.

Online booking systems, on the other hand, automate the entire process, adding appointments to clients’ calendars and sending them email or text reminders. In the health care industry, SMS reminders proved to be effective in reducing missed appointments. A similar approach may work for your company.

Improved Customer Retention

Make it simple for your clients to do business with you if you want to keep them. It makes sense that the easier it is for them to book an appointment, pay an invoice, and leave a review, the more likely they are to use your service again.

Boost in Customer Acquisition

In order to get new customers, word-of-mouth is important. Referrals are crucial in the home service industry. A convenient way to generate new business is to offer online booking. By caring about your clients, you will increase your company’s reputation. Customers often seek out simple and friendly solutions.

Online booking software is becoming increasingly dynamic. More than just a way to keep track of appointments and manage team schedules, some of the most popular solutions also offer the following features.

Real-time, Online Scheduling

Booking in real-time is the key to modern scheduling. This ensures an appointment is available immediately. In more advanced platforms, wait-list capabilities are integrated with automated filling of schedule blocks when appointments are canceled or rescheduled.

Calendar Oversight (for Clients and Employees)

Sync and manage multiple calendars in real-time including many third-party applications, such as Google Calendar and iCal. This feature allows clients to share and sync their appointment times across multiple devices. You can track an employee’s time and workload through their calendars in real-time for your business.

Customer Options

Is your home service tailored to the preferences of each customer? Choose a software provider that lets clients schedule their preferred technicians based on their availability.

Automated Reminders

An automatic text or email notification reminds customers of their upcoming appointment is sent after they make an appointment. Some platforms even offer the option of notifying the client as the tech approaches.

Promotions, Payments, Reviews, and More

You can do much more than just support online booking with a multifaceted platform. A platform may have marketing functionality, invoicing and payment solutions, methods for gathering reviews, and features for managing challenging clients. Some of these products are even full-featured management tools with bookkeeping integrations and inventory tracking capabilities.