Knowing how to build a scheduling app can help businesses engage new potential customers, reduce the risk of missed appointments, and streamline work schedules from a web, desktop, or mobile app. Create a scheduling app that becomes second nature for users because the appointment scheduling application market is much larger than expected and also has some monetisation opportunities.
Exploding Topics suggests that 70% of adults use digital scheduling apps, with 50% accessing digital calendars through a mobile app and 23.3% using desktop appointment scheduling applications. Calendly currently holds over 20% of the entire market for online scheduling. Discover how to create an appointment scheduling application capable of scheduling appointments dedicated to a specific business.
What Is an Appointment Scheduling App?
An online scheduling application enables many business owners, professionals, and even healthcare providers to streamline and automate booking appointments through a digital appointment scheduler. Businesses can automate how they’re managing appointments or scheduling meetings.
Business leaders and HR teams can also create seamless employee scheduling processes to ensure employees are always doing what’s necessary. Healthcare providers can streamline how patients set recurring appointments or guesthouse hosts can automate how customers are booking appointments.
Key Appointment Scheduling Software Components and Features
Two components are essential in scheduling applications: the ability to set recurring appointments and scheduling notifications that remind users of upcoming appointments. However, an appointment scheduling app should also contain the following core features:
- A customisable pre-built scheduling user interface (UI) with a quick overview of new features.
- Access to appointment reminders or to request information from clients before appointments.
- A streamlined or instant booking process with integrated tools that prevent double bookings.
- Embeddable scheduling UI features to alter existing customers’ appointments.
- Support for different services like localisation to certain time zones and languages.
- Group scheduling features that welcome multiple clients booking appointments for group events.
- Google synchronisation to enable customers to fit bookings into their schedules.
- Google reminders that ensure customers don’t experience missed appointments.
- Secure contact details and patient information integration with real-time availability.
Understand How a Scheduling App Works Before Building One
Understanding the scheduling app anatomy will help creators integrate the right scheduling tools in any software project, whether using a low-code drag-and-drop interface or custom app development. Here are the key components of the appointment scheduling app’s anatomy:
- Backend technology behaves like the app’s command center, recording data, fetching information, enabling business users to pull up screens, and empowering third-party API integration.
- Frontend technology includes the part business users can see and interact with, including the UI, screens, images, buttons, layouts, icons, and other visible features.
- The database is part of the essential features of the backend infrastructure, securely storing customer or patient information like individual, appointment history, and booking type data.
Important note: low and no-code app templates and platforms often don’t include the third key component: the database. Appointment scheduling app creators would have to develop their own database or hire a development team to write code and buy storage for the database.
Development Process Preparations for a Scheduling App
A trusted software development company will implement a step-by-step process to define project requirements and analyse competitors before development begins. However, here are some ways businesses can prepare for the scheduling app development process:
Market Research
Understanding the competition is how applications compete among the giants like Calendly and Google Calendar. Conduct thorough market research to understand needs, demands, and trends. Using a requirements analysis for software development can guide market and competitor analysis.
Concept Definition
Market and competitor insights will help businesses define the essential features that the appointment scheduling app must contain. Wireframes for mobile app development can guide companies to create minimalistic layouts and basic features the app must include before the concept reaches developers.
Technology Research
Avoid focusing alone on what competitors do, and instead focus on how they do it. Do some research on the tech stack Calendly and other leading competitors use to understand which technologies will benefit your software project, whether choosing React Native for mobile or Python for web apps.
Requirements Discussions
Discussing your concept with the developers will ensure they can capture your vision better and recommend the latest appointment-scheduling software tools and technologies. Create an image of your vision, enabling developers to comprehend every feature, function, and interface layout.
Be Proactive During Development
The developers know how to build a scheduling app, but having a proactive client who partakes in discussions, and provides feedback helps to continuously improve the appointment scheduling software. The ultimate software development strategy is proactively collaborative throughout.
How to Build a Scheduling App in 10 Easy Steps
Use our appointment-scheduling app template to design, develop, and deploy the ultimate appointment-scheduling app or web-based software in ten easy steps. Scheduling meetings among business executives or automating how patients set recurring appointments will be a breeze with our template.
Step 1: Conduct Research on Similar Apps
Review popular scheduling apps like Google Calendar, Calendly, SimplyBook, and Acuity to see how such apps serve their specific purposes. For example, Calendly is a scheduling automation platform ideal for business meetings and other professional appointment scheduling tasks.
Google Calendar is ideal for managing event appointments, creating events, and sending invites with integration capabilities for any operating system running Google. Use a comprehensive requirements analysis for software development and other analytics tools to discover how such apps work.
Google Workspace applications also allow users access to analytics tools while Microsoft Office provides appointment scheduling capabilities. SimplyBook’s paid plans even include point-of-sale support and Acuity allows customers to view real-time availability. Understand how each app works.
Step 2: Decide on the Critical Features
Choose the most essential features for the initial development process based on the requirements and competitor analysis. For example, add the functionality to create new events if competing for the same market as Google Calendar. However, consider a unique selling point, such as seamless group bookings.
Consider the top questions to ask a software development company during this stage, empowering yourself to understand what new features could enhance your USP. Still, here are some critical and competitive yet basic to consider beyond the most basic features mentioned earlier:
- The ability to create new events, webinars, and tasks with invitation functions.
- Integrated clocks that show the users’ real-time availability in different time zones.
- Editing capabilities for existing events, functions, appointments, and bookings.
- Access to an app template to help users schedule events and webinars.
- Automation for work schedules and appointment reminders integrated into device calendars.
- Scheduling tools that enable users to book specific rooms for conferences or overnight stays.
- Basic tools that allow users to mark the days of upcoming events and appointments.
- The ability to track no-shows for bookings and off-time for employee scheduling workflows.
- Push notifications that send email or SMS reminders that also automate back-and-forth emails.
- Payment gateway integration with Stripe, PayPal, and other reliable networks.
- Integrated tools for managing appointments with multiple clients, patients, or employees.
Step 3: Define the Scheduling App Project Scope
The next step of how to create a scheduling app template is to define the software project scope for scheduling meetings or online scheduling for accommodation and other booking systems. A well-defined software project scope ensures the highest software development standards.
The initial project scope needs to include a budget and timeline. Use our app development cost calculator to better estimate the costs involved with developing scheduling software. Other factors the project scope should outline include target countries, app purpose, and security or quality expectations.
Discover how to create a software development requirements specifications document should you wish to define the functional and non-functional requirements for the scheduling application, including the platform developers must use and a comprehensive overview of the scheduling features.
Step 4: Plan the Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
MVP development company services will serve application owners well in this stage of creating a scheduling application. A minimum viable product allows companies to test a concept with the most basic features to collect early user feedback to improve apps before spending money on development.
Create an MVP for the appointment booking app using a trusted company known for scheduling software development to ensure the first app exceeds expectations and doesn’t become a money pit. The scheduling system acts as a high-level prototype that welcomes iterative and Agile development.
Step 5: Choose the Best Cloud Platforms
An online scheduling application built on cloud platforms will serve your customers and users better, provide more availability, and provide low-maintenance solutions for the app. First, work with a Google, AWS partner, or Microsoft Azure partner to ensure seamless cloud services in app development.
A scheduling system can also run on multiple cloud platforms designed to serve your business in different ways. For example, AWS Elastic Beanstalk can be used to gain easy access to a ready-made database, reducing development costs. Here are the top options to consider for cloud platforms:
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): A managed cloud services provider (MCSP) manages everything related to the infrastructure while your business manages the rest.
- Mobile-Backend-as-a-Service (MBaaS): The MCSP manages the cloud infrastructure and persistent storage needs while businesses manage the rest of the mobile app development.
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): The MCSP will manage the infrastructure, middleware, runtime environment, and operating systems while you handle the code and data.
Step 6: Integrate Third-Party APIs and SDKs
The next stage of our booking appointments app template is optional if you’d like to integrate APIs and SDKs from other appointment applications like Calendly and Google. Embedded software development services broaden the audience and user base, but they’re an optional feature for competitive apps.
Adding services from familiar providers encourages potential customers to become avid users and empowers the new online scheduling platform to achieve greater goals like improved localisation efforts. Here are some SDKs and APIs to consider from leading providers:
- Calenderific API provides access to holiday days data in 230 countries to enhance localisation.
- Google Calendar API allows app users to store appointment information in device calendars.
- SuperSaaS API enables online appointment platforms to integrate PayPal and Stripe solutions.
Step 7: Choose the Technology Stack
The next step is to plan the right technology stack to streamline the booking process, notifications, and scheduling appointments calendar integrations on different devices. Consider new technologies that provide scalable solutions for booking appointments online and scheduling staff meetings.
The technology stack would depend on the intended platform for the app. Here’s a quick guide to the leading technologies used for app development on different platforms:
- Web app development technologies include Python, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 for frontend development or the Node.js runtime environment for backend web app development.
- Native mobile app development for the Apple App Store would include Swift or Objective C while developing an app for the Google Play Store will involve Kotlin and Java.
- Cross-platform mobile app development for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store can include technologies like React Native, Ionic, Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, or NativeScript.
- API development technologies for appointment scheduling software development include MySQL or PostgreSQL for SQL databases or MongoDB and Apache Cassandra for NoSQL databases.
Step 8: Hire a Development Team
Hiring a development company is ideal if you don’t have coding skills. A custom software development company would be the best option for scheduling software tailored to your business needs. Do some research to ensure the developers know everything about scheduling software development.
Consider the company’s clients and case studies, and consider the pros and cons of outsourcing vs. in-house software development. You’ll need a team with a UX/UI designer, project manager, mobile app developers, and testers for mobile development. Replace mobile with web developers for web apps.
Step 9: Code, Test, and Deploy the App
The scheduling software is nearly ready for the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Develop the user interface using the Materials 3 design guidelines for Android or the Human Interface Guidelines for iOS. Alternatively, use the web-based user interface guidelines for the UX/UI design of web applications.
Next, build a robust security solution around the scheduling software to ensure data privacy and protection using multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and compliance as code for compliance testing in CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, test the app using multiple software testing methodologies.
The next step is to develop or integrate APIs for the scheduling software. Design API endpoints, integrate API rules for requests and responses, and document all APIs thoroughly. Developers also secure APIs using encryption methods, quotas, and API gateways.
Coding Tips for Android
Hire C++ developers with the expertise to code flawless scheduling applications, or use Android Studio, a popular integrated development environment (IDE), to build the app yourself. Code the app, integrate APIs and SDKs, and test the Android app using tools like Espresso. Use the Android developer instructions to publish the application in the Google Play Store.
Coding Tips for iOS
Hire iOS developers proficient in using the preferred languages, or write the code using XCode, the preferred IDE from Apple. Integrate SDKs and APIs into the app and test the iOS development application using XCTest. Follow the developer guidelines from Apple before trying to submit the scheduling software to the Apple App Store.
Coding Tips for Web Software
Finally, hire dedicated developers to streamline web development for schedulers, or use modern IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse to write the code, integrate APIs securely, and test and deploy the web application leveraging the DevOps tools provided by various cloud platforms. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like errors per 1,000 lines of code and team velocity points.
Step 10: Ensure Ongoing Maintenance
Several factors contribute to the need for ongoing maintenance when you create a scheduling app. Ongoing monitoring can provide valuable user feedback to upgrade certain features when users are actively using the scheduling app. Bugs and errors can also occur in any application and need remedy.
The software development process from a trusted development company will include the option to continue maintenance and support services, ensuring the scheduling system or tools continue to work seamlessly and remain secure. Cloud providers maintain some elements but not the code and app itself.
Tips to Monetise Appointment Scheduling Software
A monetisation strategy is the pinnacle of all development projects that make sense. Discover how to monetise the core features of scheduling platforms used to streamline work schedules, eliminate double bookings, and build a scheduling masterpiece for many businesses and different services.
Integrate In-App Purchases and Affiliations
Offer users the opportunity to buy related items and services with in-app purchases, including consultations, webinar event scheduling, premium content, and merchandise. Alternatively, use the app to advertise products and services for affiliate marketing partners, charging advertising fees.
Sell the Scheduling Software as a Service
The scheduling app has the opportunity to become a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, enabling product owners to charge transaction fees for each appointment scheduled. The platform owner can also use the app as a subscription service for businesses when building a large, bespoke application.
Tips to Create a Scheduling App That Competes
Scheduling software development that competes with industry leaders should contain more than the basic functions. Instead, use our tips to ensure the appointment scheduling software or custom app can provide the tools and services clients or businesses need daily.
Hire Scheduling Software Development Teams With a Track Record
Hire dedicated developers who understand every aspect of the scheduling software development process, including workforce planning processes, shift management, tracking tools, booking reminders, multi-calendar synchronisation, clock-in records, meeting organisation, and booking features.
Aim to Enhance Customer Satisfaction With the Scheduling System
Scheduling appointments on a seamless system can enhance customer satisfaction among existing customers and entice new clients to use the software, whether using it for employee scheduling, tracking missed appointments, and keeping all parties in the loop about upcoming appointments.
Integrate the Appointment Scheduler With Other Software
Integrate other software into the custom appointment scheduling software to streamline how employees communicate with each other and reduce the need for back-and-forth emails. Integration with other systems can also prevent double bookings in the food and hospitality industries.
Custom Scheduling Software Tailored to Business Needs
Partner with an expert custom software development company to tailor the scheduling system to specific business needs or develop a SaaS product to fit the monetisation strategy. Our web app development team has a clear understanding of scheduling software development.
Alternatively, use our custom iOS app development company services for seamless deployment to the Apple Store, or choose bespoke Android app development to launch products in Google Stores. Our React Native app development services can even ensure deployment in multiple app stores.
Our mobile app development company developers are proficient in multiple cross-platform and hybrid solutions to welcome deployment on all platforms. Outsourcing software development services to our expert developers will streamline every process, implement emerging technologies, and deliver success.
How to Build a Scheduling App Key Takeaways
The key takeaways of appointment booking apps include understanding the core components and the various preparations required before handing the project over to an experienced team. Low and no-code options exist, but users appreciate a unique app that includes custom features. Contact us to discuss how our teams can serve the needs of scheduling app users on a silver platter.
How to Build a Scheduling App FAQs
Where can I find a software development team to create a scheduling app?
Pulsion developers have extensive experience in building a scheduling app that eliminates double bookings, adds new features that give the application a unique selling point, and focuses on the two components that drive success: reminders and recurring bookings. We have a clear understanding of scheduling application technology and guidelines. Contact us today to discover the opportunities.
Does your development team have project management support?
At Pulsion, we provide dedicated software development teams with a project manager, UI/UX designer, app tester, and the right number of developers to ensure streamlined development. Discuss the quick overview of features you want in the app, and our teams will use custom development techniques or low/no-code platforms that allow drag-and-drop features for continued in-house development.
Can I build a scheduling app without coding experience?
Understanding the various technologies that allow you to build exceptional apps will ensure success. However, low and no-code development options exist, allowing you to use drag-and-drop functions to build a simple app. There’s no comparison in off-the-shelf vs. custom software development, but tight budgets call for in-house teams to use low-code platforms to de
