Tired of back-and-forth emails between your clients and remote team? This may be the sign you are looking for to start using a shared calendar app for your small business!
Why Does Your Business Need a Shared Calendar App?
First things first, let’s discuss what a shared calendar app is.
It is essentially a calendar with enhanced capabilities that allow you to set up meetings, interviews, and appointments. But unlike a regular calendar app, shared calendars provide centralized access to each team member’s schedule.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Improved team coordination by centralizing schedules
- Enhanced communication with real-time updates and notifications
- Efficient meeting scheduling by avoiding double-booking
- Better time management with organized appointments and tasks
- Streamlined client interaction through direct booking options
- Increased productivity by reducing scheduling conflicts
- Remote work flexibility with accessible schedules from anywhere
Best Shared Calendar App to Consider
Calendly
Calendly is a simple and intuitive scheduling tool that allows users to set availability and share it with others. It’s popular for small businesses due to its user-friendly interface and integrations with platforms like Zoom, Google Calendar, and Office 365. You can also use Calendly’s customisable features, such as buffers between meetings and team-wide scheduling.
Features:
- Automated scheduling
- Integrations with Zoom & Google Calendar
- Team scheduling
- Customizable buffers
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Automated reminders
- Integrates with multiple platforms
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Premium at $10/month
- Pro at $15/month
Acuity Scheduling
Another popular option is Acuity Scheduling. It is a powerful scheduling tool designed for businesses that require advanced customization options such as automated client intake forms, payments, and multiple service offerings. This platform is ideal for small businesses that need more control over how appointments are booked on a single platform.
Features:
- Appointment scheduling
- Customizable intake forms
- Payment processing
- Calendar syncing
Pros:
- Advanced customization
- Integrates with payment platforms
- Syncs across services
Cons:
- Complex setup for beginners
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Paid plans start at $16/month
Doodle
Doodle, on the other hand, simplifies the process of scheduling meetings with multiple participants through a polling system. This polling method ensures that meeting times are agreed upon efficiently. It’s highly recommended for small businesses handling multiple clients or team members.
Features:
- Group scheduling
- Polling system
- Calendar integrations
Pros:
- Ideal for group scheduling
- Simple to use
- Reduces scheduling conflicts
Cons:
- Limited features outside of scheduling
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Pro at $6.95/month
Microsoft Bookings
You can also use Microsoft Bookings if you are already using Microsoft Office 365 for your business. It also comes with an integrated system for managing appointments to streamline bookings, cancellations, and rescheduling. These bookings then sync with other Microsoft tools, which is an ideal solution for managing both client and team appointments.
Features:
- Appointment scheduling
- Ccancellation/rescheduling management
- Office 365 integration
Pros:
- Flexible appointment management
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited integrations outside the Microsoft ecosystem
Pricing:
- Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions (starts at $6/month)
YouCanBook.me
YouCanBook.me is a popular beginner scheduling tool for Google and Microsoft calendar integration. It is an excellent option for businesses looking for a straightforward booking system that allows clients to choose meeting times based on real-time availability.
Features:
- Real-time availability
- Customizable booking pages
- Email notifications
- Calendar integration
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Integrates with Google and Microsoft calendars
- Automated reminders
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in the free version
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Paid plans start at $10/month
Setmore
Setmore is a robust scheduling tool that offers appointment booking and payment processing tool integration. This is ideal for eCommerce and service businesses to help them easily manage appointments and accept payments all in one place.
Features:
- Appointment booking
- Payment integration
- Team scheduling
- Email reminders
Pros:
- Includes payment processing
- Integrates with Zoom
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Some features locked behind paid tiers
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Premium at $12/month
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shared Calendar Software
So how will you know which shared calendar app to use for your small business?
We know there are a lot of options available. To make things simple, we prepared a list of factors you need to look for before you start investing and integrating the tool into your other business tools:
- Integration: Compatibility with existing tools (e.g. email and project management)
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and setup
- Features: Scheduling capabilities, notifications, and customization options
- Accessibility: Availability on multiple devices and platforms (e.g. web and mobile)
- Collaboration Tools: Support for team collaboration and shared access
- Security: Data protection, privacy controls, and user permissions.
- Cost: Pricing structure and value for the features offered.
Our Verdict
Time management is critical to the success of any business, and shared calendar apps help you stay on top of your schedule. With features like automatic reminders and online payment integration, these apps we listed are meant to enhance the client experience while saving you time and effort. Adopting a shared calendar ensures your team remains on the same page, regardless of the distance.
