Google Calendar Sync: Stop Double‑Bookings in 10 Minutes
Two‑way calendar sync is the fastest way to eliminate double‑bookings. Done right, your booking page shows only truly free time — and every new booking instantly appears on your calendar.
What “two‑way sync” really means
- Calendar → booking page: busy events block availability so clients can’t book over them.
- Booking page → calendar: new bookings create calendar events so your schedule stays central.
If only the second part works, you’ll still get double‑bookings from personal events. If only the first part works, you’ll forget bookings because they never land on your calendar.
Setup checklist (do these in order)
- Choose the right calendar: use the calendar you actually manage daily.
- Block time honestly: add breaks, lunch, travel, and personal time as busy events.
- Separate calendars for staff: if you have a team, one calendar per staff member is cleanest.
- Confirm timezone: mismatched timezones are the #1 cause of “wrong slot” bugs.
- Test with a fake booking: book a slot and confirm the calendar event appears instantly.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
Mistake: Syncing the wrong calendar
Fix: Switch to the calendar where you actually add personal events and business blocks.
Mistake: Events marked “Free”
Fix: Mark busy blocks as “Busy” so they block booking slots.
Mistake: Not leaving buffer time
Fix: Add a buffer between appointments (5–15 minutes) if you need cleanup or travel time.
How to verify it’s working (2‑minute test)
- Create a busy event in Google Calendar for a time you normally offer.
- Refresh your booking page: that time should disappear.
- Book a test slot: a new calendar event should appear immediately.
Next step
Combine calendar sync with automated reminders and you’ll reduce no‑shows and double‑bookings at the same time.