The Best Tool to Automate Client Bookings: TidyCal vs Calendly
If your inbox and DMs are full of messages like, “What time works for you?” or “Can you do this day?”, it’s time to upgrade how you manage your bookings. Automating your client bookings doesn’t just save time, it transforms how your business runs behind the scenes.
In this episode of This Mum Loves Tech, I’m walking you through why switching from Calendly to TidyCal has been a total game-changer for me, and why TidyCal might just be the best tool for small business owners who want to save time and simplify how clients book in with them.
What Is an Automated Booking System?
Before we dive into TidyCal, let’s talk about how automated booking systems work and why they’re so helpful.
You connect your digital calendar, Google, Outlook, etc. so the booking system can see when you’re available. If something comes up, like a last-minute appointment or a childcare change, all you need to do is update your digital calendar. Your booking availability updates automatically.
Then, you connect your video call platform of choice, like Zoom or Google Meet. When someone books in, the system automatically creates a meeting link and emails it to both of you. No manual scheduling, no back and forth.
It all gets added to your calendar instantly, and you just get a simple email notification. This one step alone can save hours every week.
Why I Switched from Calendly to TidyCal
I started out using Calendly, like many people do. It’s one of the most well-known booking tools out there and great for simple, one-off bookings. But as my business grew, I needed more.
I wanted to offer multiple types of bookings, accept payments, and have greater control over availability without paying monthly subscription fees. That’s when I discovered TidyCal at the start of 2025.
“TidyCal has a lifetime license of $29 as of May 2025, and no monthly fees, no hidden costs. You just pay once and get access to all the features.”
Here’s what made me switch:
- One-time payment, no monthly fees
- Multiple booking types, including paid sessions
- The ability to import all your existing Calendly booking types
- Automatic syncing with your calendar and video platform
- Instant notifications and confirmations for both parties
Flexible Booking Types That Fit Your Business
TidyCal lets you create custom booking types for all kinds of services, whether you’re running:
- Discovery calls or free chats
- Single or block bookings for 1:1 sessions
- Group workshops, masterclasses, or events
- In-person appointments with location details
Each booking type can have its own availability, so you can choose to only open certain slots on specific days. You can even redirect clients to a thank you page after they book, perfect for sharing next steps, upselling another product or offer, or inviting them to your email list.
“You can set up all these different booking types to work the best for you.”
TidyCal Makes Rescheduling Easy
Life happens. Especially when you’re a mum running a business. Whether the school rings unexpectedly or your diary shifts, TidyCal makes rescheduling effortless.
“I just get on my phone, move that meeting and I’m all sorted.”
You don’t even need to log into TidyCal. Just move the appointment in your calendar and the system will update your availability and notify the client automatically.
Final Thoughts: TidyCal Can Save You Hours
If you’re still manually booking appointments, chasing people over email or DMs, and trying to piece together availability between your calendar, your client’s, and your video call system, it’s time to simplify.
TidyCal offers:
- Lifetime access for a one-time price
- Powerful automation and calendar syncing
- Payment integration via Stripe and PayPal
- Complete flexibility across booking types
It’s one of the most affordable, easy-to-use tools I’ve ever added to my tech stack.
Join the Free Masterclass
Want to see exactly how it all works?
Join me for my FREE masterclass: Tidy Up Your Time with TidyCal
🗓 Thursday, 22nd May at 1:00 PM
In this session, I’ll show you how to:
- Set up your booking system from scratch
- Connect your calendar and video calls
- Customise your availability
- Send booking links to clients, add them to emails, your website, or socials
Save your spot here → https://thismumlovestech.co.uk/masterclass/
