Free salon guide
How to add a "Book" button on Google
So a new client can book you in one tap, straight from Google, without ringing, DMing or waiting for you to reply. Plain English, no jargon, about 10 minutes.
Book
This is the button we're getting onto your listing.
By Shika Studio · Works for hair, beauty, nails, barbers and spas
Why it's worth 10 minutes
- Most people find you on their phone, late, when you're closed. A Book button lets them book anyway.
- Every tap saved is a booking saved. No "I'll call tomorrow" that never happens.
- Google tends to show active, bookable businesses higher. The button helps you get found.
- It's free. You just need to connect the right things, which is exactly what this guide does.
First, the one thing you need
A verified Google Business Profile. This is the panel that shows up on the right when someone Googles your salon (photos, hours, reviews, map). If you can already edit yours, skip to the routes below. If not, sort this first:
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
- Search your salon name on Google, signed in with the Google account you want to own the listing.
Use the email you actually check. This becomes the owner account.
- Look for "Own this business?" or "Claim this business" on your listing, and click it.
- Verify you're the owner. Google will offer phone, text, email or a short video.
Video verification is common now. Follow the prompts, it's quick.
- Wait for the green tick. Once verified, you can edit everything.
Verification can take anywhere from minutes to a few days.
Tip: while you're in there, fix your hours, add fresh photos and set the right category (e.g. "Hair salon", "Nail salon", "Barber shop"). It all helps you get found.
Now, pick your route to the Book button
Which one is you? The button appears in slightly different ways depending on how you take bookings.
1
I already use a booking app (Fresha, Booksy, Treatwell, Vagaro, and so on)
Easiest. The button can appear automatically. Go to Route 1.
2
I have a booking link, but no big app (a website booking page, a form, Calendly)
You add the link to Google yourself. Go to Route 2.
3
I've got no booking system yetYou need somewhere for the button to send people first. Go to Route 3.
Route 1 · You use a booking app
Most salon booking apps are official Google partners (it's called "Reserve with Google"). That means Google can add the Book button for you once the app is connected. These all support it:
FreshaBooksyTreatwell
VagaroSquireTimelyPhorest
- Log into your booking app on a computer.
- Open Settings, then look for Integrations, Online presence, or Reserve with Google.
The wording varies. In Fresha it's under Marketing / Online booking. In Vagaro it's Settings then Reserve with Google.
- Turn on "Reserve with Google" (or "Connect to Google").
- Check your details match Google exactly: salon name, address and phone number should be identical in both places.
A mismatch is the most common reason it doesn't connect.
- Save, then wait a few days. Google adds the Book button to your listing automatically.
Good to know: you don't edit Google for this route. You flip the switch in your booking app, and Google does the rest.
Route 2 · You have a booking link
If you take bookings through your own website page, a form or a link, you can add that link straight to Google.
- Search your salon on Google, signed in as the owner. Your profile tools appear at the top.
- Click "Edit profile" (or "Edit").
- Find the "Booking" or "Bookings" field. It sits with your contact and link details.
Don't see a Booking field? Your category may not support it yet. Add the link as an "Appointment links" or your website link instead, or use Route 1.
- Paste your booking link and save.
- Give it a little time to show, then test it (below).
Heads up: Google shows the Book button most reliably through a connected booking app (Route 1). A manual link works, but if it keeps not appearing, a proper booking system is the more dependable fix.
Route 3 · You've no booking system yet
The Book button has to send people somewhere. So before it can appear, you need one of these:
Option A · A salon booking app
Sign up for one of the apps in Route 1. Many have a free or low-cost tier. Set up your services and hours, then follow Route 1 to switch on Reserve with Google.
Option B · A website that takes bookings
A simple site with a booking button gives you the link for Google, and it also catches the people who want to check you out before they book. This is the version that tends to convert best.
Test it, on your own phone
- Open your salon on Google on your phone (an incognito tab is ideal, so you see what a stranger sees).
- Look for the Book button near your name, hours and directions.
- Tap it and make sure it opens the right booking page, with the right services and prices.
- Do a test booking if you can, then cancel it, just to be sure the whole thing works end to end.
Not there yet? Give it a few days after connecting. Double-check your salon name, address and phone match exactly across Google and your booking app. That mismatch is the usual culprit.
Common questions
How long until the button shows up?
Usually a few hours to a few days after you connect a booking app or add the link. If it's been over a week, recheck that your details match and that the booking link is live.
Do I need a website for this?
Not strictly. A booking app link works on its own. But a website gives the button somewhere richer to land, and it wins the people who want to see your work and reviews before they commit.
The button goes to the wrong page. How do I fix it?
Update the booking link inside your booking app (Route 1) or in the Booking field on your Google profile (Route 2). It'll refresh on Google shortly after.
I have two Google listings for my salon. Is that a problem?
Yes, duplicates split your reviews and confuse Google. In your profile, look for the option to report a duplicate so Google can merge them, then set the button on the one you keep.
Is any of this going to cost me?
Adding the button is free. A booking app may have a monthly cost depending on the one you choose. A website is a separate thing, optional, but it's what turns "found you" into "booked you".
Want it just done for you?
If you'd rather not touch any of this, we set up the Book button, sort your Google, and build the website it all points to, so new clients can find you and book you without lifting a finger.
See what we do at shika.group
Or email mah@shika.group