This article will explore Microsoft Bookings, as well as some of the most helpful features of this scheduling application.

What is Microsoft Bookings?

Microsoft Bookings is an online and mobile booking and scheduling tool that was initially released in 2017. Bookings was designed to assist small companies and businesses with their customers’ scheduling needs. This platform also provides a way for managers to keep track of the specific details about appointments and to perform employee scheduling as well.

Many small businesses across industries use Bookings to help manage both internal and external scheduling. Dental practices, law firms, hair salons, spas, financial service institutions, human resource departments, healthcare providers, government agencies, retail establishments, educational providers, and automobile repair shops are just a few examples of businesses that work with this application. This versatile platform provides a helpful resource for businesses to use to streamline the management of various parts of their organization.

Bookings is offered as a part of the Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan, as well as the Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan. 

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There are three main components to Bookings:

  • Bookings page: Customers come to this page to book appointments for the service that is provided by a business. This page can be displayed on the organization’s website or on social media platforms like Facebook so that it’s easily accessible to customers. For businesses that set up a Bookings page on Facebook, those interested in scheduling an appointment only need to select “Book Now” to find the time that best suits their schedule. In addition, because their contact information is filled in based on their Facebook profile, no additional personal information is needed.
  • Web browser pages: Business owners use web browser pages for a variety of tasks. These pages help to monitor the preferences of customers, describe the available services as well as the pricing structure, establish which hours are open for appointments, and decide how to personalize appointment scheduling based on the needs of your business.
  • Mobile app: Business owners use the Bookings mobile app to see an overview of bookings, find customer lists with contact information, and enter appointments, among other tasks.

Microsoft Bookings Features

Bookings provides small businesses with many helpful tools to streamline the bookings process and enable easy scheduling for both customers and employees. Here are just a few of the most helpful features Bookings provides:

  • One of the most appealing features of Bookings is how user-friendly it is. Customers can easily book or reschedule appointments by using this app, as well as receive reminders via email. This centralized platform can also provide an internal overview of all employees’ scheduled meetings.
  • Appointments made in Bookings can be synced to central calendars like Google Calendar.
  • Bookings allows users to maintain an up-to-date client database.
  • This app provides a complete calendar that can display various appointments by different staff members.
  • Bookings users can be provided with different permissions depending on their position at work. This feature grants some team members the ability to edit their own calendars without having access to those of others.
  • With the help of automated technology, Bookings helps users avoid repetitive tasks like sending email reminders or appointment confirmations. Because scheduling can be a time-consuming, tedious process for businesses across industries, this application provides a straightforward way for customers to schedule appointments.
  • This application integrates with other Microsoft apps, such as Skype and Teams. In addition, those who use Bookings can also perform virtual appointments using Microsoft Skype or Teams. Online meetings can be created in Bookings, then links can be sent to staff members so that they can connect via Teams. In addition, Bookings appointments can be set to automatically sync with Outlook calendars to provide a centralized scheduling option. 
  • Custom calendar options can be made in Bookings for various departments within an organization, containing important information such as staff information and personalized page layouts.
  • Thanks to real-time updates, customers are informed immediately if an appointment slot is available. In addition, in situations in which one customer locks in on a time slot while someone else is attempting to book it, the system automatically refreshes to avoid double bookings.
  • Bookings works as both a stand-alone tool as well as an embedded app on your company’s web page. Those wishing to customize their Bookings page can do so by adding their company logo and/or brand colors. In addition, custom fields like the option for down payments can be added as well.

For those who are still trying to decide if Bookings is the right platform for you, there are a few limitations to be aware of as well:

  • Rescheduling can be challenging when using Bookings. 
  • The Bookings URL is very long.
  • Some users feel that this application lacks some of the functions other scheduling tools provide.
  • The Bookings homepage could be made more aesthetically engaging.
  • Bookings users must have internet access to access the calendar or schedule appointments.
  • When using Bookings, advertisements sometimes pop up, which some users find to be distracting.

For those who do not currently subscribe to the Microsoft 365 suite, a free trial of Microsoft 365 Business Standard or 365 Business Premium provides a great way to learn more about Bookings. This trial window would provide a window in which your organization could work with this scheduling tool to see if it is a good match. If it isn’t right for your business, simply cancel before the end of the month to avoid fees.

Start Learning Microsoft Office with Hands-On Classes

Are you looking to learn more about Microsoft Office and its many applications? A great way to get started learning about Microsoft 365 is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Office courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, spanning three hours to three days and costing between $219 and $1,785. You can also browse in-person Microsoft Office classes in a city near you.

In addition to general Office classes, Noble Desktop also offers in-person and live online Microsoft Outlook courses. Because Microsoft Bookings integrates seamlessly with Outlook, these courses are a great option for those hoping to gain an understanding of how these apps can work with one another.