subject: Stand Out From The Competition With Online Scheduling Software [print this page] When it comes to diversity, the business world runs the gamut. From niche devices to everyday services, businesses large and small offer a seemingly never-ending variety of products to customers and clients.
Although their products, services and office procedures vary widely, there is one thing most businesses have in common: competition. Unless a service is completely unique and unavailable from any other providers, businesses must continuously look for new ways to stay ahead of the competition. Whether it's through marketing, the creation of new products or services, or added benefits for its clientele, rising above competitors can help ensure both short- and long-term success.
The thought of staying competitive can make some owners and operators cringe, as they may believe it will cost a substantial amount of money. However, there are many inexpensive actions a business can take to keep pace and pass their competitors. One of these is online scheduling software.
TAPPING INTO THE INTERNET
The Internet is an important part of most people's lives. They use it to communicate, research information and conduct daily tasks. They also rely upon it for scheduling appointments and booking reservations. Based on the ever-increasing demand for online services, one would think that most businesses maintain an online presence that includes customer self-scheduling. However, this assumption is not necessarily true, as many businesses do not offer such services to its customers. And while they don't, their competitors may.
Online scheduling software can be the missing piece of the puzzle that gives businesses the edge over their competitors.
Until fairly recently, the most common method of scheduling appointments and reservations-as well as managing customer information-was with a paper appointment book. Customers call into a business, the receptionist, staff member or other person answering the phone checks availability, and then that individual writes down the appointment or reservation. If the business has the resources, it may make reminder phone calls or send an appointment card or other document in the mail prior to the scheduled time.
More recently, some businesses opted for electronic calendars such as those offered by Google and Microsoft Outlook to handle their scheduling needs. Although more functional than pen and paper, most still lack the functionality to fully automate a business' scheduling processes. To accomplish this, businesses and organizations turned to online scheduling software.
Like many Internet-based applications, most online scheduling programs are what're commonly known as Software as a Service (SaaS). Once registered, businesses can easily access their accounts and scheduler through a Web site or online portal. They can set-up their scheduling system and manage it by simply opening a Web page. It can be as simple as that.
And it's that simple for customers as well, should a business offer online self-scheduling. It's a feature that can really help it stand out from its competitors.
ONLINE CUSTOMER SCHEDULING
Consumers these days almost expect an online presence from a company or business. In fact, they may look past businesses that are not online or consider another provider. Convenience is a big factor in an individual's decision-making process, and not offering customers what they want can put a business at a big disadvantage, especially if their competitors offer this benefit.
Convenience plays a big role in our "24-7" world. Many people simply do not have the time to pick up a phone during business hours to book an appointment. Some would much rather go online and schedule it when it's most convenient for them.
Online scheduling software makes it easy to accomplish this. Once a business sets up its scheduler, it can then add a button or link on its Web site for customers to access its online scheduler. Once on the scheduler page, customers typically can view and select available appointment or reservation times and dates, as well as other information such as services and specific staff members. Depending on internal preferences set by the business operator, the scheduler may also require the customer to register to use the service.
Even businesses without a Web site can implement online scheduling into their operations. Once a business creates an account and scheduler, the service will issue it a URL link. In essence, the scheduler itself is a Web site. Entering this link in a Web browser will take a user directly to the scheduling application. Businesses can simply provide this link to customers.
AUTOMATED REMINDERS
In addition to the convenience of online scheduling, another benefit found in some online scheduling systems is automatic reminders. These can be in the form of an e-mail or text message.
There's no denying the effectiveness of appointment reminders, regardless of whether they're in the form of e-mail, a postcard sent through the mail, a text message or a simple phone call. In fact, surveys have shown that appointment reminders can decrease the number of "no-shows' by over 50 percent. Plus, customers appreciate receiving them.
Manually sending reminders, however, can be time-consuming and even expensive, especially if printed and mailed. Staff time devoted to this tedious task is also a consideration, as it can take employees away from more important tasks.
With automated e-mail and text message reminders, businesses can effortlessly accomplish this important task. The system does all the work and will automatically send reminders to customers prior to their scheduled appointments or reservations.
Now more than ever, gaining an advantage over your competitors can mean the difference between a successful business and one barely staying afloat. Online scheduling is a cost-effective and easy-to-implement customer benefit that can take your appointment and reservation procedures to the next level and help your business stand out from the competition.
