calendia

When someone searches "hairdresser near me" or "physiotherapist open today", the first thing they see is usually a map with a few Google Business Profiles. If yours is complete and has a booking link, you can turn that search straight into an appointment, with no commission to a marketplace. This guide walks through what to set up and in what order.

Why Google matters for bookings

Most local searches happen on a phone, and people want to book quickly. They compare ratings, photos and opening hours in seconds and choose the business that makes the next step easiest. A profile with a working booking link, recent reviews and clear services beats a better salon with an empty profile.

Step 1: claim and verify your profile

Search for your business name on Google or Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim it; if not, create one. Google will ask you to verify that you own the business, often by a code sent by post, phone or video. Until you are verified, you cannot edit reliably. Use the real business name, exact address and a local phone number, and avoid stuffing the name with keywords, which can lead to suspension.

Step 2: add your booking link

In your profile's contact or booking settings there is a field for an appointment or booking link. Paste the link to your online booking page there. This is the standard link field, and it works with any booking page. Note that Google's integrated "Reserve with Google" button is a different thing: it requires an approved booking partner, and Calendia is not one. The simple link field is still very effective, because clients tap it and land directly on your calendar.

Menu names and paths in Google change from time to time, so look for words like "booking link", "appointment URL" or "website" in the profile editor rather than relying on a screenshot you saw once.

Step 3: fill in the rest

Categories: pick the most accurate primary category (for example "Hair salon" or "Physiotherapist") and a few secondary ones.
Services: list your main services with short descriptions and, if you wish, prices.
Opening hours: keep them exact, including holidays. Wrong hours cost you trust fast.
Photos: add 10 or more real photos: exterior, reception, your work, the team. Add new ones regularly.
Description: one honest paragraph about who you are and what you offer, in natural language.

Step 4: collect reviews

Reviews drive both ranking and clicks. Ask every happy client, ideally right after the visit while they are smiling. Put the review link in a follow-up message or on a card at the till. Reply to every review, kindly, including the negative ones; future clients read your replies. Never offer payment for a review, and never write your own.

Step 5: post updates

Short posts about offers, new treatments or free slots keep the profile fresh. One post a week is plenty. Photos of finished work often perform better than text.

Checklist

Profile claimed and verified
Booking link added
Correct primary category
Services and hours up to date
10+ photos
Review request in your routine
A post at least every couple of weeks

How to do this in Calendia

Your Calendia booking page has its own link that you can paste into the Google booking link field. You can add a QR code or tracked link and see how many scans or visits come from each place, described in QR links and share your online booking page. If you want the page on your own address, see custom domain. To follow up after a visit and ask for a review, use the aftercare message described in reminders and notifications. Calendia has no marketplace, so bookings from Google arrive without commission; for a closer look at what marketplaces charge, see commission on new clients.

Questions and answers

Do I need a special booking system to add a link to Google?

No. The booking link field accepts a link to any booking page. The integrated "Reserve with Google" button is different and needs an approved booking partner.

How long until my profile shows up?

Verification can take a few days. After that, changes usually appear within hours to a couple of days, although ranking improves gradually as you add reviews and activity.

How many reviews do I need?

There is no magic number. A steady flow of recent, honest reviews matters more than a high total. Ask every satisfied client as part of your routine.

Get bookings from Google: add your booking link to your profile