Short answer: sign in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile, search your business name on Google, click Edit profile, open the Bookings section (sometimes labelled Appointment links), choose Links to your online booking tools, click Add a link, paste your booking page URL and save. It's free, and the button usually appears within minutes, though Google can take longer while it reviews the change.
The rest of this guide covers each step, what to do if you can't see the Bookings option, and how to make sure the button actually brings in jobs.
Why a booking button matters
Most people who find you on Google want one of three things: to call, to get directions, or to book. If calling is the only option and you're on a job, that customer often moves on to the next business in the list.
A booking button gives them another way in. They tap it, pick a time or request a quote, and you get the job even when you couldn't answer the phone.
Before you start
You need three things:
- A verified Business Profile. If your profile isn't claimed and verified yet, do that first at business.google.com. Booking links can't be added to unverified profiles.
- Owner or manager access. Sign in with the Google account that manages the profile.
- A booking page link. This is the page customers land on when they tap the button. It should let them book a time or request a quote straight away, on a phone, without hunting through your website.
If you don't have a booking page yet, see "What link should you use?" below.
Step-by-step: add your booking link
- Open your profile. On a computer, sign in to Google and search your business name. Your Business Profile editing panel appears at the top of the results. On a phone, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture and choose your business.
- Click Edit profile. On Maps, choose Edit profile from your business page.
- Find the Bookings section. It may be labelled Bookings, Appointment links or sit under Contact, depending on your business category. Google changes these labels from time to time.
- Choose your own link. If you're offered a choice between a featured booking provider and Links to your online booking tools, choose the links option. That lets you use any booking page, including your own form.
- Click Add a link and paste your booking page URL.
- Click Save.
- Test it. Search your business name on your phone, tap the booking button and go all the way through as if you were a customer.
Tip: if you manage more than one location, make sure you've selected the right one before you add the link. Each location has its own booking link.
Can't see the Bookings option?
Booking buttons aren't available for every business category or region. If you don't see a Bookings or Appointment links option:
- Check your primary category. Some categories don't support booking links. If a more accurate category exists for your business, switching may unlock it.
- Check verification. A profile that's suspended, pending verification or recently edited may hide some options until Google finishes reviewing it.
- Use your website link instead. Point your website link at a page with your booking or quote form front and centre, so customers still get there in one tap.
What link should you use?
The link matters more than the button. A booking button that drops customers on your homepage loses most of them.
Good options:
- A dedicated booking or quote form that works well on phones and asks only what you need: the service, photos if relevant, their suburb and a time. Quote-based businesses can use an enquiry or quote form here instead of a calendar.
- Your booking software's public booking page, if you already use one.
- A specific page on your website where the booking form is the first thing visitors see.
Avoid social media pages, messaging-only links, app store links and shortened links. Google may reject them, and customers often drop off.
Track how many bookings it brings in
Two easy ways to see whether the button is working:
- Business Profile Performance. In your profile, open Performance to see how many people clicked your booking link.
- Add tracking to the link. Add a tag to the end of your URL, for example
?utm_source=google&utm_medium=business_profile&utm_campaign=booking, so you can see Google bookings separately in your analytics or booking system.
Make the most of it
- Keep your hours and services up to date, so the times customers can book match the times you can actually work.
- Reply fast. A booking request answered within minutes is far more likely to become a job than one answered the next day.
- Put the same link everywhere: your website, Facebook and Instagram pages, email signature, quotes and invoices. One form, every channel.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to add a booking button to Google?
Yes. Adding your own booking link to your Google Business Profile is free. Some booking providers charge their own fees, but Google doesn't charge for the link.
How long does it take for the booking button to appear?
Usually a few minutes. Sometimes Google reviews the change first, which can take longer. If it hasn't appeared after a few days, check the link works and that your profile is verified.
Why don't I see the Bookings option in my profile?
Booking links aren't available for every business category or region, and they don't show on unverified profiles. Check your primary category and verification status, or use your website link to point to your booking page instead.
Can I use a quote form instead of a booking calendar?
Yes. If your work is quoted rather than booked by the hour, link to a quote or enquiry form that collects the job details, photos and suburb. Customers can still reach you in one tap from Google.
Can I have more than one booking link?
Yes. Google lets you add more than one booking link, for example one per service. In most cases one clear link works best.