Whether you’re an independent freelancer or running a service-based business, you likely need a simple way for people to book time with you.
Scheduling apps automate appointment booking, eliminating the need for emails or phone calls.
With everything that’s out there, picking the best scheduling systems and tools can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you have options. Here’s a closer look at some of our favorite apps that will make appointment booking a breeze.
If you’re already using Gmail, Google Calendar comes with a suite of tools built into your account. It’s the go-to scheduling tool for many teams and freelancers, offering an intuitive interface that makes setting up one time, as well as recurring, meetings with clients simple and fast.
The system is flexible, allowing you to create and view multiple client calendars, automatically set up video conferences with Google Meet or your preferred video platform via integration, and sync appointments and tasks to one main calendar.
Google Calendar week view showing appointments in different colors.
Google Calendar is incredibly straightforward, so if you’re looking for an easy to use tool that lets you set up appointments with a select group of contacts, it’s likely all you need. However, if you want to create a dedicated booking page, you’re going to need a Google Workspace account and a paid Business Plan.
Pricing: Google Calendar is free to use, Appointment Booking pages are only available with the Google Workspace Business plan, which is $12.00 a month per user.
Calendly stands out with its ease of use. The appointment scheduling app makes it possible to create a booking page that you can share or embed in your own website in just a matter of minutes. The app has a meticulous layout, with an easy-to-use UI that makes online booking a breeze.
Calendly full month calendar view, showing available time slots for a 30 minute meeting
Along with the main booking system, Calendly also offers workflows for client communications that are available through their paid plans. One of our favorite features is Calendly’s automated email reminders and follow ups — saving you the time you’d spend reaching out on your own.
Pricing: Calendly offers a free Basic plan that lets you set up an online scheduling calendar with a customized booking link that generates automated event notifications. If you need more functionality and customization, they offer an Essentials plan for $8/month and a Professional level for $12/month.
Square’s free scheduling app provides all the functionality that most freelancers and small businesses would need for an online appointment booking system.