GoReminders is the best small business scheduling software. We empower small business owners by automating reminders for clients via email or text, helping reduce no-shows and saving you time. Try it for free today!
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Do you ever feel like scheduling appointments turns into a huge game of calendar Tetris? We feel your pain.
Running a small business is no easy task — and staying organized is key to managing appointments smoothly. That’s especially true when you consider that every no-show or missed meeting amounts to lost revenue or productivity.
Fortunately, today’s scheduling apps make it easier to streamline your workflow, whether you’re managing staff schedules or booking clients. But with so many scheduling tools on the market, how do you know which one is best for your team?
Let’s dive into the best scheduling software options available to help small businesses stay organized, boost productivity, and grow revenue.
| 1. GoReminders – Best Overall Scheduling Software for Small Businesses |
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| 2. Acuity Scheduling – Best Scheduling Software for Squarespace Websites |
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| 3. Schedulicity – Best Scheduling Software for Business Market Exposure |
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| 4. Calendly – Best Internal Scheduling Software for Corporate Teams |
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| 5. Mindbody – Best Scheduling Software for Premium Health and Wellness Businesses |
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| 6. Square Appointments – Best Scheduling Software with Built-In POS |
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| 7. Vagaro – Best Software for Beauty and Wellness Marketing |
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| 8. Sign-In Scheduling – Best Scheduling Software for Multi-Location Teams |
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| 9. Appointlet – Best Scheduling Software for Group Appointments |
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| 10. Setmore – Best Scheduling Software for Budget-Conscious Small Businesses |
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Scheduling software can transform how you manage appointments, labor hours, and customer reminders, but not every platform is built the same way.
Some scheduling tools are ideal for managing internal team meetings, while others excel at handling multiple client appointments. No single app fits every business type, so it’s essential to determine which features align best with your needs.
Here are the top features to look for in scheduling software:
With managers and supervisors often on the go (and customers accessing booking forms from their phones) a mobile access option is invaluable. A scheduling app that’s easy to use on both mobile and desktop lets you perform quick updates and approvals whenever you need.
Any new software will have a learning curve. Look for a platform with solid customer support to help your team get the most from its features. Multi-channel support (like live chat, email, or phone) makes it easier to start strong and get quick answers.
Choosing new software is an investment, so a demo or free trial helps ensure it’s worth the cost. Testing the program hands-on lets you confirm that it’s a good fit for you and your team before committing.
For small businesses, flexible pricing can be a game-changer. Many apps offer monthly and (discounted) annual billing — some even allow switching to annual billing after a trial period. Finding a plan that works with your cash flow is key.
Great scheduling software should simplify, not complicate, your day. The setup should be straightforward for you and for clients. They should find it easy to receive reminders, confirm appointments, and book themselves if you allow it.
Top scheduling apps offer features like 2-way messaging, reminder texts, easy reply options, and bulk messaging. All of these make it easy to stay in touch with clients and staff alike.
Automation is a game-changer. Look for platforms that offer auto-recurring appointments, automatic reminders, templates that automatically personalize messaging.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the 10 best scheduling software apps for small businesses.
Best Overall Scheduling Software for Small Businesses
If you need an intuitive, plug-and-play solution to manage bookings, send reminders, and reduce no-shows, GoReminders is the ideal scheduling software for you.
GoReminders was created by small business owners for small business owners. We designed an easy-to-use tool to solve real challenges we faced with missed appointments in our own businesses.
Your time and organization are precious. With GoReminders, intuitive scheduling and automated reminders keep your day running smoothly. Every appointment you create automatically sends customizable reminders to customers, staff, and even yourself. This way, you can eliminate the need for constant manual follow-ups. Plus, with multi-platform accessibility across web and mobile, your calendar is available anytime, anywhere.
But GoReminders doesn’t just remind your clients — it also increases productivity and reduces no-shows, often by 80% or more. Plus, you can start using it in less than a minute.
While GoReminders is ideal for small- to medium-sized service-based businesses — salons and spas, auto shops, and healthcare providers, many large companies also use it. If you prioritize ease of use and efficient communication with clients, GoReminders is a great pick for small business scheduling software.
| Feature | Description |
| Calendar and Appointment Management | Schedule and manage appointments for customers and staff and prevent double-bookings easily. |
| Calendar Integrations | Sync appointments with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal, and more. |
| Customizable Booking Forms | Give clients 24/7 access to your availability and customize availability settings across multiple locations. Create branded booking pages with options for instant or requested appointment slots. |
| Automated Reminders and Confirmations | Automatically send text and email appointment reminders, allowing clients to confirm or reschedule easily with configurable text or email replies. |
| Two-Way Communication | 2-way texting interface enables easy communication with clients directly through the messaging system. |
| Marketing Tools | Use message blasts to promote sales or announcements to your client base. Automate follow-ups to collect reviews or encourage repeat bookings. |
| Additional Features |
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GoReminders offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, so you can try every feature risk-free. Plus, if you’re not completely satisfied, we provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best Scheduling Software for Squarespace Websites
Acuity Scheduling (powered by Squarespace) is known for its flexible scheduling and multi-location management capabilities. The software is particularly helpful for business owners juggling multiple storefronts and staff members. It is also good for anyone looking for a clean website integration, since Squarespace is a well-known CMS. Acuity also allows customers to book anytime with a single integrated calendar.
Despite Acuity’s user-friendly design, some find the interface too complex. Acuity does have an extensive feature set, but for any business seeking simplicity from a scheduling solution, it can be a challenge. While Acuity shines with integrations for payments and video conferencing, it lacks the full ease of use and instant setup of other platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple location and staff management | Customers can’t confirm appointments or reply to reminders (except on the most expensive plan) |
| 24/7 booking with custom forms | Limited functionality on mobile |
| Payment integration via PayPal and Stripe | Complex interface |
| Flexible calendar and pre-booking forms | No message sequencing on basic plans |
Best Scheduling Software for Business Market Exposure
Schedulicity doubles as a scheduling tool and an online marketplace. Like Vagaro, this model allows businesses to list their services and connect with new clients searching for local appointments. On the backend, Schedulicity provides essential features like color-coded calendar management, automatic reminders, and payment processing for small businesses offering classes, workshops, or personal services. The added marketing tools, including customizable email templates and listing in Schedulicity’s marketplace, could help smaller businesses attract local clients.
However, clients must create a Schedulicity account to book their appointments, which can cause problems. Some might be deterred from engaging with an app they aren’t familiar with. Plus, depending on your location, the market for local businesses may be too crowded or nearly desolate on the Schedulicity app. In other words, the marketplace may not truly offer much visibility. After all, most people tend to find appointment-based businesses through Google, Yelp, or via word of mouth — not a third-party app.
| Pros | Cons |
| Class and workshop management features | Requires clients to create an account |
| Marketplace listing for increased visibility | Competes with other businesses in the marketplace |
| Payment processing with low fees | Marketplace has limited effectiveness for lead generation |
| Flexible pricing based on number of users | SMS reminders only available on paid plans |
Best Internal Scheduling Software for Corporate Teams
Calendly is a popular platform for corporate teams needing streamlined scheduling at scale, especially in sales, marketing, and IT. Their standout features include robust cyber security options for enterprise users and customizable meeting types. For these reasons, it may be ideal for larger organizations that handle high volumes of internal meetings or B2B sales teams. Also, Calendly offers integrations with CRMs and multiple calendars.
But while Calendly provides powerful tools for team scheduling and analytics, the initial setup can be overwhelming. Smaller businesses might find the depth of customization unnecessary, compared to more user-friendly solutions that focus on straightforward appointments and reminders. Plus, Calendly’s lack of 2-way texting and follow-up messaging options could be limiting for businesses that rely on direct client communication.
| Pros | Cons |
| Enterprise-grade security options | Limited customer communication features (no 2-way texting) |
| Integration with up to 6 calendar platforms | Complex setup process with extensive customization |
| Customizable booking forms for lead qualification | Higher price tiers required for advanced features |
| Integrates with Google Analytics | Limited functionality in free version |
Best Scheduling Software for Premium Health and Wellness Businesses
Mindbody stands out in the health and wellness space, offering scheduling and marketing tools tailored to fitness studios, salons, and spas. Key features include automated marketing tools and robust analytics that help business owners track growth and engagement.
Mindbody is also a marketplace, and provides exposure to businesses that choose to list services on their app. The difference here is that Mindbody is perhaps the oldest company on this list, so its reputation in the industry is a bit higher than others.
However, you’ll also have to compete with high-dollar health and wellness services in your area in order to get exposure. Even still, some clients may not want to use the Mindbody app, so the value here is limited.
Overall, Mindbody is a good platform, but some businesses might find the higher price point and industry-specific focus less appealing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong focus on health, wellness, and fitness | High monthly cost, starting at $139/month for the lowest plan (with some business types requiring higher rates) |
| Marketing automation tools to enhance client retention | Limited appeal for businesses outside health/wellness |
| Analytics for tracking growth and engagement | Requires add-ons for branded mobile app customization |
| Payment processing and payroll features | No free trial, only a demo available |
Best Scheduling Software with Built-In POS
Square Appointments seamlessly combines appointment scheduling with Square’s well-known point-of-sale (POS) system. This makes it a powerful choice for small businesses already using Square that need both functions in one platform.
Square Appointments is also known for its flexibility on mobile and tablet devices, which helps when you’re on the go. Some notable features include calendar management for multiple locations, integrated email/SMS reminders, and a customized booking website.
The Free and Plus tiers offer good basics for smaller operations. However, larger teams may find these limited in terms of permissions and customizing wages. Businesses seeking advanced team features might need the Premium tier for full functionality.
| Pros | Cons |
| Integrated with Square POS for seamless payments | Free tier limited to one location |
| Customizable booking website with 24/7 appointment booking | No multiple wage rates or custom permissions in Free/Plus tiers |
| Google and Instagram integrations to enhance online presence | Premium tier required for advanced team management features |
| Mobile-friendly with strong tablet and desktop support | Some essential features restricted to Plus and Premium tiers |
Best Software for Beauty and Wellness Marketing
Vagaro is another marketplace app designed to help service-based businesses in the beauty and wellness sector attract local clients — while providing scheduling tools on the backend. With an intuitive calendar interface, payment processing, and a range of reporting tools, Vagaro equips small businesses to manage appointments and finances. For those offering online services, Vagaro’s livestreaming feature and ecommerce capabilities are a big plus.
However, Vagaro’s marketplace listing can be challenging to use and may not offer the visibility it promises. Non-beauty or wellness businesses may not benefit as much from its customer base. Even some within those industries report difficulties getting noticed among the noise unless they pay extra for more exposure. Plus, Vagaro’s pricing model may not work for everyone, as many key features (like texting) cost extra, in addition to the monthly per-user price.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intuitive, drag-and-drop calendar management | Limited visibility in marketplace outside beauty/wellness sectors |
| Payment processing and invoicing in one platform | Extra charges for text marketing and website builder add-ons |
| Livestream integration for online classes and memberships | Marketplace exposure costs an additional $10/month |
| Integration with Quickbooks and Xero for reporting | Pricing increases per additional staff/calendar |
Best Scheduling Software for Multi-Location Teams
Sign-In Scheduling is tailored for somewhat larger teams that need advanced booking features and multi-location support. This makes it a decent choice for healthcare providers, educational institutions, or corporate offices managing appointments across different branches. Users praise the calendar syncing options and flexible reminder settings, which allow businesses to easily coordinate complex staff schedules with client appointments.
However, the pricing structure (which offers only annual billing) could be restrictive for smaller businesses. The Standard Plan doesn’t offer much in the way of integrations, either — and that may pose challenges for some organizations that want a more connected system.
For businesses prioritizing seamless multi-location booking management, Sign-In Scheduling is a powerful option with some trade-offs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced multi-location and timezone support | Only annual billing; no monthly options |
| HIPAA-compliant Pro plan available for healthcare | Limited customization on Standard plan (e.g., email templates) |
| Customizable reminder timing and content | Standard plan lacks some integrations (e.g., Salesforce) |
| Supports multiple calendar integrations (Google, Outlook) | Complex interface may have a learning curve |
Best Scheduling Software for Group Appointments
Appointlet offers a straightforward, no-frills scheduling solution aimed at service-based teams conducting group appointments. Sales and marketing teams enjoy easy-to-deploy booking links and automated reminders that help everyone show up to meetings on time. However, integrations are where Appointlet truly shines. Slack, Zoom, Paypal, and LinkedIn integrations make this a versatile pick for teams relying on third-party tools.
While Appointlet’s lack of a mobile app might be a limitation for many teams, it’s an affordable option for teams working mainly on desktops or tablets.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple booking links and website embedding | No dedicated mobile app for on-the-go access |
| Extensive third-party integrations | Limited features in the free tier |
| Automated reminders and confirmations | Advanced features only available in paid tiers |
| Affordable pricing at $10/month for Premium | Lacks customization options for advanced scheduling needs |
Best Scheduling Software for Budget-Conscious Small Businesses
Setmore is a wallet-friendly scheduling option with essential features for small businesses, including a custom booking page, multiple calendar integrations, and video conferencing. However, limited text reminders and ambiguous terms on reminder limits may be restrictive for some users.
Setmore does support appointment bookings and prepayments on the same platform with payment processing through Square and Stripe. But only the Premium and Pro tiers provide access to SMS reminders and integrations beyond Square. That can be limiting for businesses that need a more robust reminder and payment system.
Overall, Setmore is a straightforward, budget-friendly choice for small teams focused on core scheduling needs, but the limitations are certainly there.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free plan available with core scheduling tools | Limited SMS reminders with unclear limits |
| Customizable booking page and website widget | Free tier limited to 4 users and Square payments only |
| Video conferencing integration for group sessions | Only premium plans offer full calendar syncing |
| Affordable pricing, starting at $12/month for Premium | Limited support and unclear text reminder limits for paid tiers |
Scheduling software is a digital tool designed to streamline bookings, appointments, and meetings. It helps small businesses manage and organize their scheduling activities efficiently through various features that help with schedule arrangement, managing employee shifts, allocating resources, processing payment, etc.
Scheduling software offers several benefits for small businesses, including improved efficiency, higher productivity, better organization, reduced schedule conflicts, better customer satisfaction, and even improved resource allocation.
Scheduling software provides real-time visibility into employee availability and existing appointments. This makes it easier to identify potential scheduling conflicts and overlaps. It allows businesses to view employee schedules, customer appointments, and available time slots all in one place. Many also provide built-in notifications to prevent double-booking.
Absolutely. Scheduling software is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple locations or remote teams, since they tend to have more complex scheduling needs. It allows businesses to manage schedules for multiple locations and team members from a centralized platform, ensuring efficient coordination and communication. Remote teams can access the software from anywhere, making it easier to coordinate schedules and keep everyone on the same page.
Choosing the right scheduling software can be challenging — especially with so many options tailored to specific industries and workflows.
Start by looking at your business model, team size, and the daily demands of your schedule. Which features do you need most to make your day-to-day operations simpler? While many platforms offer a wide range of tools, focus on your unique needs to make the smartest choice for productivity.
But features aren’t everything. Pricing is also key. A little research into features and plans goes a long way in finding the best value.
Lastly, consider how much time and money you could save with integrated scheduling, automated reminders, and fewer no-shows — with a system that doesn’t require an IT degree to set up. GoReminders provides an easy-to-use, affordable solution that’s perfect for any small business managing appointments. It’s packed with powerful scheduling features to help you manage appointments with ease, and it only takes a few seconds to set up.
Say goodbye to no-shows. Experience the best scheduling software for your small business. Try GoReminders with a free 14-day trial, or check out a sample reminder.
Try GoReminders free (no credit card needed)
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