Simplify Your Scheduling: Integrating Online Calendars into Your Squarespace Website
In today’s fast-paced world, making the process of scheduling appointments or bookings as smooth as possible is crucial for any business. Squarespace offers versatile options to integrate online scheduling calendars, enhancing user experience and keeping everything on-brand. Let's explore how you can seamlessly integrate a scheduling calendar into your Squarespace website.
1. Linking Calendar URL to 'Book Now' Buttons
One of the simplest ways to integrate a scheduling tool is by linking directly to your calendar's URL. Here’s how:
Choose Your Scheduling Tool: Select a scheduling platform that best fits your business needs. Common options include Timely, Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, or Google Calendar.
Obtain the Direct URL: Most scheduling platforms offer a direct link to your booking calendar.
Link to Your Site:
Go to your Squarespace editor.
Add or edit a ‘Book Now’ button in your menu navigation or other strategic locations through out the website pages.
Insert the direct URL of your calendar as the button link and select for it to open in a new window whe the visitor clicks on it. This way your website stays open in the original browser
This method allows your visitors to access your booking calendar with a simple click, leading them directly to your scheduling tool but it does make it harder for the visitor to get back to your website after they have booked.
2. Embedding Calendar with iFrame or HTML Code
Embedding the calendar onto your site offers a more integrated experience:
Get the Embed Code: From your scheduling tool, get the iFrame or HTML code for your calendar.
Embed onto Your Site:
In Squarespace, navigate to the page where you want the calendar.
Add a ‘Code’ block to the desired area.
Paste the embed code into this block.
Adjust sizing and options as needed to ensure the calendar displays correctly.
This approach keeps visitors on your site, offering a streamlined booking process while maintaining your site’s branding and design integrity and is ther prefered option if you arent using Squarespace scheduler
3. Using Squarespace's Acuity Scheduler
For a fully integrated experience, Squarespace’s own Acuity Scheduling is a robust option:
Set Up Acuity Scheduling: If you haven’t already, set up your Acuity account. Squarespace users can benefit from integrated features.
Add the Scheduling Block: On your Squarespace site, where you want the calendar:
Add an ‘Acuity Block’.
Connect your Acuity account.
Customize the display options to align with your brand.
Seamless Integration: Acuity Scheduling syncs with your Squarespace site, providing a cohesive and on-brand scheduling experience.
Benefits of an Integrated Scheduling System
Enhanced User Experience: Makes the booking process straightforward and accessible, directly on your website.
Consistent Branding: Keeps visitors engaged with your site without redirecting them to external scheduling pages.
Increased Efficiency: Reduces the time spent on manual scheduling and managing appointments.
Integrating a scheduling calendar into your Squarespace website is not just about adding a functional element; it’s about providing a seamless, efficient service that aligns with your brand's look and feel. Whether through direct linking, embedding, or using Squarespace’s own Acuity Scheduler, the right integration can significantly elevate your clients' experience, streamline your booking process and increase your bookings overall.
I am a Squarespace Circle designer and have done this on over 90 websites to date. If you require help with your website, be sure to check out my services or book a chat
