Online booking is one of the most convenient ways SalonLife lets you offer clients a fast, simple way to book an appointment. It saves time for both the salon and the client, since the process is automated and bookings land directly in the calendar. Below you’ll find an overview of how SalonLife’s online booking works and what it offers.

How Does Online Booking Work?

The online booking process is very simple for the client. The main steps are as follows:

  1. Choosing the salon location (for multiple salon locations)
    • If there are several salon locations, the client is first asked to choose one.
    • If there’s only one location, they’re taken straight to the next step.
  2. Choosing a service category
    • The client sees all available service categories (e.g. hair, manicure, cosmetic treatments, etc.).
    • The category choice makes it easy for the client to find the service they’re interested in.
  3. Choosing a service
    • The client selects a specific service.
    • A short description of the service (if entered), the price, and the expected duration are shown.
    • If several staff members offer the same service, a price range or duration differences are shown too.
  4. Choosing a staff member
    • The client picks from among the staff profiles (they can view the staff member’s photo and extra info if needed).
    • The staff choice may depend on the client’s preferences (e.g. a familiar service provider, the first available slot, price range, etc.).
  5. Choosing a suitable date and time
    • The client can pick an available slot from the calendar.
    • The system shows the dates and times available for that particular service and staff member.
  6. Entering client info
    • The client fills in the data fields (e.g. name, phone, email).
    • You can set which fields are required and which are optional.
    • If you’d like, you can also allow additional data to be entered (e.g. birthday, special requests, reviewing the booking terms).
  7. Review and confirmation
    • A view showing the booking overview: location, service, staff member, date, time, price.
    • If everything checks out, the client confirms the booking.

After confirming, both the client and the relevant staff member receive a confirmation notification, letting them know the booking has been added to the calendar.

Setting Up Online Booking

__wf_reserved_inherit

You’ll find the main online booking settings on the Apps page, by selecting Online Booking and Preferences. There are several important features worth reviewing there:

1. Customizing the Design

__wf_reserved_inherit
  • Background images, color schemes
    - Choose a suitable background image from the existing options, or upload your own.
    - Customize the booking page’s main colors (e.g. buttons, headings) so the look matches your salon’s style and branding.
  • Button text
    - Set how the buttons for each step (e.g. "Next," "Confirm") are displayed.
    - You can add your own wording to match your business’s brand voice.

2. Collecting Additional Data

__wf_reserved_inherit
  • Client form
    - Activate or hide data fields depending on your salon’s needs.
    - Make some fields required (e.g. phone number, email) to make sure you get the information you need.
    - If you’d like, you can use additional fields too (e.g. "Additional Info" or "Birthday").
  • Booking terms
    - Add terms to the booking page (e.g. cancellation rules, salon house rules) that the client must agree to.

3. Private Booking Options

__wf_reserved_inherit
  • PIN code
    - If you only want to accept bookings from clients you already know, or returning clients, you can add a PIN code to online booking.
    - The visitor must enter the correct PIN code to see the service options and make a booking.

4. Links and Integration

  • Copy your online booking link
    - Add the link to your salon’s Facebook page, your Instagram bio, or share it another way.
  • Booking button for your website
    - If you’d like, you can add a separate button to your website that opens booking when clicked.
    - You can also create a floating booking button that stays on the right or left edge of your website. The booking module opens for the client in the same window, without switching pages.

You’ll find a more detailed guide to integrating online booking in another article — just click this link.

Staff Members' Personal Preferences

Each staff member can set their own online booking preferences under their profile.

For example:
• How many days in advance they can accept bookings.
• Other personal preferences (e.g. time-display settings, service duration).

How exactly do you change these staff-related online booking settings? Read more in another article by clicking this link.

Useful Tips

1. If you want to keep online booking limited to your returning clients only, use a PIN code. This prevents random or unwanted bookings from being made.

2. Booking terms fields help prevent misunderstandings. For example, you can specify what happens if a client is late or wants to cancel.

3. Notifications by email or SMS show professionalism and help clients remember their appointment.

SalonLife’s online booking is a convenient, fast, and flexible way to serve your clients. Thanks to the thorough settings, every beautician or salon can build a booking page that fits their own style and needs. Once the setup is done, the next step is making it available to clients — via a link or a "Book Now" button — on your website.