How to add a booking link to Instagram and Google
By Martynas Gecas, Founder, Elite Booker. Updated .
Most new clients find a salon on Google or Instagram before they ever see its website. If your booking link is in both places, they can book an available time without waiting for a reply. These steps work with any booking system that gives you a web link; the Elite Booker details are marked.
Start with one booking link
Use the same main booking link everywhere, so every client sees the same services, prices and availability. Keep specialist or service links for places where they help, such as a stylist's own Instagram account.
On Elite Booker your booking page lives at www.elitebooker.co.uk/salon/ followed by your business's name. In your dashboard, Website Builder has your main link, direct links for each specialist and service, a QR code and an embed code for your own website.
Add it to your Google Business Profile
Google lets businesses add their own booking link to their Business Profile. Open your Business Profile, choose the booking link type, select Add link, paste your booking page address and save. Google allows up to 10 links per category and lets you mark one as the business's preferred link.
Some booking providers connect to Google through its booking partner programme instead, and their links are managed automatically. A link you add yourself still sends clients from your profile to your booking page. Search for your business afterwards and tap the link on a phone to check it opens the right page.
Add it to your Instagram profile
In the Instagram app, go to your profile, tap Edit profile, then Links, and add your booking page as an external link. Put it first if you have several links, and mention it in your bio, for example: Book online through the link below.
Instagram's Book action button is different: it needs an existing account with one of Instagram's booking partners. If your booking system is not a partner, the profile link does the same job. In stories, a link sticker can point to your booking page, and in direct messages you can reply with the link when a client asks about availability.
Add it to your website, Facebook and salon
Put a clear Book now button near the top of your website and on your price list page, linking to the same booking page. If your website builder supports it, an embedded booking widget lets clients book without leaving your site.
Add the link to your Facebook page and email signature. A QR code at reception or on appointment cards lets clients rebook their next visit before they leave.
Test the link like a new client
Open the link on a phone while signed out, from Google, Instagram and your website. Check that your business name, services, prices and durations are correct, then pick a time and stop before paying, or complete a test booking with contact details you control.
Repeat the test after changing services, staff or opening hours. If a client books through the link, the appointment goes straight into your diary, so keep phone and direct-message bookings in the same diary too.
Sources and further reading
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