What's new in Microsoft Bookings: Updated homepage

Introducing the updated Microsoft Bookings homepage  

Microsoft Bookings is a powerful tool that helps you schedule and manage appointments with your customers, clients, or colleagues. Whether you need to book time to meet people or set aside time for different meetings, Bookings makes it easy and convenient for both you and your attendees.  

Today, we would like to announce an update that will elevate the way you interact with Bookings, making it more intuitive, visually appealing, and seamlessly integrated into your workflow. Read on to find out what's new. This is primarily an experience update on the home page of Bookings and does not change any existing functionality.  

Exploring the Home Page 

With our latest update, the home page becomes your centralized hub for all things Bookings. You can now access both personal and shared bookings from a single surface. Whether you're managing personal appointments or coordinating with your team, everything you need is right on your homepage. You can easily switch between your shared and personal bookings pages workflows, view and edit your availability, and manage your appointments. You can create new meeting types (personal bookings) or bookings pages (shared bookings), either for yourself or for your team, with minimal clicks. 

Bookings homepage

Explore Personal Bookings 

Personal bookings is how you manage your own appointment timeslots, it allows you to easily configure and share your availability with your customers, clients, or colleagues. You can be in charge of your own time and avoid the back and forth of scheduling. You can also set aside time for specific activities by creating meeting types. Once you create a personal booking page, you can share a link with anyone who can then see your availability and easily schedule a time when you are free and is convenient for them. 

What are Meeting Types? 

Meeting types are the different kinds of appointments that you offer, such as a 30-minute consultation, a 15-minute check-in, or a 60-minute coaching session. You can customize each meeting type with a name, description, duration, location, and availability. You can also add buffer time, and confirmation emails to enhance your booking experience. The entire workflow of personal bookings is just the same.  

If you are new to Personal Bookings, here is what we have for you: 

Use the quick start templates. 

One of the easiest ways to get started with personal bookings is to use the quick-start templates. Find pre-created templates on your personal booking page that let you start booking appointments right away. You can use them as they are, or you can edit them to suit your needs. You can also create your own meeting types from scratch, or duplicate and modify the existing ones. 

Get Started Guide 

Our Get Started Guide walks you through the process in three simple steps. From previewing the customer experience to customizing your meeting types and sharing your booking page, we provide the tools and resources you need to succeed. To see it, just click on “Get Started” on the right side of your home page. 

Bookings Homepage with get started menu displaying

Explore Shared Bookings 

Shared bookings are booking pages that you create and manage for your team. They allow you to invite your team members to let your customers book time with you and your team. 

Enhanced New User Onboarding 

For new users embarking on their Bookings journey, we've introduced an exciting onboarding process designed to familiarize them with the product. From interactive coach marks to engaging tutorials, we make learning enjoyable and straightforward. Say hello to a smooth onboarding experience that sets you up for success from day one. 

The latest update for Microsoft Bookings only brings a fresh perspective to appointment management, with no functional or feature updates. With enhanced UI elements, we're committed to empowering you to do your best work. Whether you're a seasoned Bookings user or just getting started, there's something for everyone in this exciting update.