Fill gaps in your calendar: 6 ways
An empty hour can't be saved for later. The good news: most gaps are predictable. If you know where they are, you can do something about them without handing out discounts.
Contents
First find where your gaps structurally are. Fill cancellations with a waiting list, let clients book their next appointment on the spot, share specific free slots on social media, match your hours to demand and remind clients who haven't been in a while.
First look where the gaps are
Lay a few weeks side by side in your week view. Is it always the same moments, like Monday morning or Tuesday after four? Or mostly late cancellations? Structural gaps need a different approach from one-off ones. Seeing the difference helps you choose.
1. A waiting list for full days
On busy days some clients can't find a slot. Let them join a waiting list. If someone cancels, they hear straight away and the slot is often taken again within the hour. A gap from a cancellation becomes an ordinary appointment.
2. Book the next appointment on the spot
The best moment to make the next appointment is right after the last one. Ask at the till, or put a QR code to your booking page by the counter. Your calendar fills weeks ahead instead of waiting for clients to think of it.
3. Share specific free slots
"Book now" says little. "Still free Friday at 2 and 4 pm" works better: it's concrete and a little urgent. Share that in your Instagram story, WhatsApp status or on Facebook, with your booking link. More tips in social media and your booking link.
4. Match your hours to demand
Monday morning stays empty while Thursday evening is always full? Then shift hours. Fewer hours at quiet times and more at busy ones fills your calendar without working longer. With flexible hours you can even vary it week by week.
5. Make cancelling easy, and timely
A client who cancels two days ahead gives you time to fill the slot. A client who doesn't dare phone and just doesn't turn up doesn't. Let clients cancel or move appointments themselves up to a deadline that suits your business. Also read reduce no-shows.
6. Remind people who haven't been in a while
A client who normally comes every six weeks and hasn't been heard from in ten has often just forgotten you. A friendly message with your booking link is usually enough. Only send it to clients who agreed to receive promotions.
How to do it in mijnklant.vip
- You see your week and month (from Plus) in the calendar: calendar by day, week or month.
- The waiting list is in Pro and emails waiting clients automatically.
- QR code for the till: download your QR code. Flexible hours: set opening hours.
- "Time for another visit" under Promotions, Automatic sending (Pro) reminds clients with consent after a chosen number of weeks.
Written by Moof, the team behind mijnklant.vip in Rekkem. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.