Google Bookings: Convert Searches Into Appointments

blog
Google Bookings Convert Searches into Appointments

The Google Bookings feature—also known as Reserve with Google—lets you connect supported scheduling tools directly to your Google Business Profile (GBP).  Setting up your Google Business Profile correctly is essential to unlock features like Bookings and maximize your online presence. This powerful integration allows customers to book appointments straight from your profile on Google Search or Google Maps, reducing friction and eliminating the need for phone calls or contact forms.

By enabling Google Bookings, businesses can:

  • Capture more leads by turning online searches into confirmed appointments.
  • Fill their calendars faster with a simplified, user-friendly booking process.

  • Improve customer experience, since clients can view your availability and services in one place.
  • Boost local SEO rankings, as engagement signals like bookings can indicate relevance and authority to Google.

Whether you run a beauty salon, fitness studio, restaurant, or local service business, Google Bookings can become a key part of your digital marketing strategy—helping you stand out, attract new customers, and convert interest into action directly within Google’s ecosystem.

 

How to Set Up Google Bookings

Google Bookings is powered by Reserve with Google, which connects your Business Profile to supported booking platforms.

1. Go to your Google Business Profile

You can do this by typing your business name into Google Search and clicking “Edit Profile.”

2. Find the “Bookings” tab

Not all businesses will see this — it depends on your category and country.

Google Business Profile NMX dashboard showing the “Bookings” tab

3. Click “Get Started”

Google will show you a list of supported scheduling partners (like Square, Fresha, Setmore, or Mindbody).

Google Bookings setup screen showing the option to add a featured book button to your profile

4. Choose a provider and sign up

You’ll be redirected to that platform to connect your calendar and services.

Google Bookings screen showing a list of supported providers like HostMe, Trufl, and SimplySeated

5. Once connected, bookings go live in a few days

Customers will see a “Book Online” or “Schedule” button on your profile in Search and Maps.

💡 Pro Tip: You must be in an eligible business category (like fitness, wellness, beauty, etc.) to use Reserve with Google.

6. Or Add a Link to Your Website’s Booking Page

If you’re not using a certified Reserve with Google partner, you can still offer online booking by manually adding a custom booking URL.

This option appears in the same Bookings tab. Simply paste the link to your existing reservations or contact page, such as:
https://mywebsite.com/reservations

Screenshot of Google Business Profile showing the field to enter a custom booking link

Caption: Add your booking link if you’re not using a Reserve with Google partner

✅ This allows the “Book Online” button to show on your profile, directing users to your website.

Tip: Use a clean, mobile-friendly page that clearly shows your booking options, pricing, and availability to reduce friction.

 

How Customers Book with You

Understanding how customers interact with your booking feature helps you design a smoother experience and maximize conversions.

Here’s what happens when someone finds your business on Google:

Step 1: A Customer Searches for a Service

They might search for phrases like "reserve a table restaurant"

If your business is optimized and eligible for bookings, your Google Business Profile appears in the local pack or on Maps. Right on the profile, a button like “Book Online”, “Schedule”, or “Reserve a Table” is prominently displayed depending on your category.

Google Business Profile for a restaurant showing the “Reserve a table” button

Step 2: They Click the Booking Button

Once they tap the button, a booking module opens directly in the Google interface (desktop or mobile), showing:

  • Your available services

  • Time slots

  • Staff (if applicable)

  • Prices

They can select a date/time and proceed without needing to visit your website.

Google booking interface showing available time slots and seating areas for a restaurant

Step 3: Booking Confirmation

After choosing a slot, the customer confirms the appointment. Depending on your connected booking provider, they may receive:

  • A confirmation email or SMS

  • A calendar invite

  • An option to reschedule or cancel

No login or account creation is required — it’s fast, seamless, and happens entirely within Google.

This quick booking flow reduces drop-offs and makes it easier for customers to commit. It’s especially powerful for mobile users, who make up the majority of local search traffic.

 

How to Track Google Bookings Performance

Once your bookings are live, tracking performance is key.

Track Bookings in Your Business Profile

You can track a basic overview of bookings directly inside the NMX dashboard under the “Performance” or “Insights” tab. This shows how many appointments were made through your Google Business Profile, helping you understand how well your booking setup is working.

To access this:

  • Go to your Google Business Profile

  • Click on Performance or Insights

  • You’ll see a “Bookings” section with the number of bookings over the past month or quarter

⚠️ Important Note: If you're using a custom booking link (like a Calendly page or your website), you won't see booking data in Google. Only bookings made through Reserve with Google partners are tracked and displayed here.

Use Your Booking Partner’s Dashboard

For more detailed data — like revenue, no-shows, appointment types, and customer insights — use your booking provider’s dashboard. Google integrates with over 150 certified scheduling tools, and the list continues to grow.

Choosing the right platform gives you access to better reports, automation tools, and smarter scheduling features.

Leading providers include:

  • Booksy – Popular for beauty and wellness professionals

  • WellnessLiving – Great for spas, gyms, and therapists

  • Regis – Commonly used by salons and barbers

  • Setmore, Mindbody, Bookeo – Versatile tools for service-based businesses of all types

 Screenshot of Reserve with Google certified booking partners list 2025

 

Why You Should Enable Google Bookings

Adding booking functionality directly to your Google Business Profile gives your customers a fast, frictionless way to commit.

Benefits Include:

  • Increased conversions

Customers are more likely to book when they don’t have to leave Google

  • Better local SEO

Interactive features like bookings improve engagement metrics

  • 24/7 availability

Capture bookings outside your business hours

  • Higher trust

Booking buttons signal professionalism and legitimacy

According to Google, businesses that enable bookings see up to 25% more leads from their Business Profile.

 

When to Use a Third-Party Booking Service

You don’t have to use Reserve with Google — you can also manually add a custom booking link to your profile.

But when should you go with a dedicated booking provider?

Choose a full booking system when you need:

  • Multiple staff with separate calendars

  • Payment collection or deposits

  • Automated reminders and no-show protection

  • Integration with your POS or CRM

  • Reporting and analytics

Some popular platforms include:

  • Square Appointments – Great for salons, barbers, and solo service providers

  • Fresha – Ideal for spas, beauty clinics, and wellness centers

  • Mindbody – Best for gyms, yoga studios, and fitness classes

  • Setmore – Good general-purpose option with lots of integrations

 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Although the setup process may require some technical effort, enabling Google Bookings can significantly enhance your online presence. It shows customers that your business values convenience and accessibility, which builds trust and drives action.

Once active, Bookings creates a seamless user journey—from search to scheduling—all without a phone call or contact form. This streamlined path not only boosts conversion rates but also helps fill your schedule with less administrative work. Don’t forget to set up your Google Business Profile attributes to highlight important features like accessibility, ownership, or special amenities that set you apart.

If you’re eligible for this feature, don’t leave it on the table. Test it for a month, monitor performance, and measure how many new leads come in through this channel. It might just become one of the most effective tools in your local SEO strategy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Bookings

1. What is Google Bookings, and how does it work?

Google Bookings lets customers schedule appointments directly through your Google Business Profile on Search and Maps by integrating with supported scheduling partners.

2. Is Google Bookings still available in 2025?

Yes, but in 2025, Google transitioned Reserve with Google’s core features into the Merchant Center and Business Messages, focusing on chat-based bookings instead of standalone booking buttons.

3. How do I know if my business is eligible for Google Bookings?

Your business must belong to supported industries (like fitness, beauty, or retail) and use a Google-approved booking partner. Check your GBP dashboard for the “Bookings” tab to confirm eligibility.

4. Are there any fees for using Google Bookings?

Google doesn’t charge directly, but many certified booking partners require paid plans or may add transaction fees for appointments booked through Google.

5. Can customers modify or cancel appointments made through Google Bookings?

Yes. After booking, customers receive a confirmation with links to modify or cancel appointments, and some partners allow rescheduling directly through Google.

6. What are the benefits of enabling Google Bookings?

It can increase leads, especially after hours, simplify scheduling, improve conversion rates, and make your business appear more professional and accessible online.