The Essential Holiday Scheduling Checklist

Short on time? We condensed our holiday scheduling guide into a quick checklist to ensure your business is prepared to thrive. Follow each step to boost your bookings, increase efficiency as the holidays rush by, and hang on to your hard-earned clients when the New Year arrives.

1. Create and customize holiday coupons

◯ Create a one-day holiday discount (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday) with a coupon code that expires at midnight, right after the holiday ends, to create a sense of urgency.

◯ Set up limited-availability coupons (e.g., first 50 clients get 20% off). After the code has been used a set number of times, no one else can use it, which will get clients to act fast for fear of missing out.

◯ Target specific client groups (e.g., loyalty members) with personalized codes as an exclusive reward or incentive.

2. Offer holiday packages and seasonal subscriptions

◯ Bundle services into holiday packages (e.g., Buy One, Get One) that offer clients more value for less.

◯ Sell subscriptions or membership plans with automated recurring payments to lock in a client's loyalty.

3. Add festive extras and gift cards for purchase

◯ Upsell with appointment add-ons (e.g., 15-minute massage, holiday-themed nail art), which clients can easily select during the booking flow to enhance their experience.

◯ Create gift certificates to promote as the perfect holiday gift to increase sales and new client acquisition.

4. Promote your holiday specials

◯ Send email and SMS marketing campaigns to notify clients about your holiday deals, sharing coupon codes and direct links to packages, subscriptions, and gift certificates that drive them to purchase in an instant.

◯ Connect Facebook and Instagram to Acuity Scheduling so people viewing your profile can instantly book with you, or add a convenient link in your bio.

◯ Post holiday offers on your social media channels with instructions for how to buy and book an appointment online.

◯ Run limited-time social media ads to promote your business and holiday deals to a wider audience.

5. Save time with automations and a mobile app that moves with you

◯ Require deposits to secure bookings and minimize last-minute cancellations.

◯ Add appointment padding so you have enough buffer time to prep, move, or take a break.

◯ Set up email reminders for upcoming appointments and customize them with holiday messaging to improve engagement.

◯ Enable SMS reminders to notify clients faster and reduce no-call/no-shows.

◯ Automate follow-ups to maximize review collection and keep the momentum going.

◯ Download Acuity Scheduling’s mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for booking on the go. Easily manage bookings while traveling or between holiday sessions, accept payments from your mobile device, and more.

6. Test your scheduling system before the holidays

◯ Review your calendar(s) to ensure your hours are correct and you’ve set padding between appointments for preparation.

◯ Go through the scheduling process as if you were a client, testing booking an appointment, using a coupon code, and buying a package, so you know all offers are live and functioning.

◯ Evaluate last-minute promotion opportunities (e.g., flash sales, extended hours).

◯ Get your staff involved by inviting them as contributors to your Acuity Scheduling account.

Make this your merriest holidays yet

Bookmark this checklist and refer to it throughout the holiday season to stay on top of every detail, keep your business on track, and take the stress out of scheduling.

If you ever need a hand, our support team is always here to help.