How do I move from a paper diary to online booking?
Copy every future appointment into the new tool first, run both for a few weeks, then retire the paper diary on a set date.
Copy every future appointment into the new tool first, run the paper diary alongside it for a few weeks, then retire paper on a date you choose in advance.
Setting up
- Add your services and how long each takes.
- Set working hours, breaks and days off.
- Enter all bookings from today onward, double-checking names and times.
The overlap
For two to four weeks, write each new booking in both places. It feels like double work, and it is, but it catches mistakes while the paper safety net is still there. Choose one person to reconcile the two at the end of each day.
Opening it to customers
Once you trust the calendar, switch on online self-booking. Tell regulars in person and add the booking link to your messages. Some will still phone; that is fine, since you now enter those calls into the same system.
Bookings are move one in the moving plan. Next up: invoicing.