In this second article in my series on M365, I highlight Microsoft Bookings. Like Microsoft Stream, What’s in M365? Microsoft Stream for Accounting Firms – Planet Consulting which I highlighted last time, I’ve noticed that some accountants are not aware that they may already have Bookings or appreciate how it can be used.
Microsoft Bookings is like having your own virtual assistant for scheduling. You can set availability, allow internal or external users to book time with you, and reduce back-and-forth emails. Bookings links directly with your Outlook calendar and lets you customise time slots, buffer times, and more. Some firms might be using or at least heard of Calendly. It offers similar functionality. I have used Calendly for years and will now migrate to Bookings and avoid the need to pay a separate fee for this functionality. I have a link at the top of every page on my website which allows someone to book a 30 minute, confidential, no obligation discussion and it has resulted in me winning new clients. You could do this too.
Benefits for Accounting Firms
- Improved Client Experience – Clients can book appointments 24/7 from a customised web page, without needing to call or email. Confirmation emails, reminders, and calendar invites are sent automatically, enhancing professionalism and reducing no-shows. The link for the booking is typically available form the home page and many if not all other pages on a firm website – often in the header.
- Time Savings – By eliminating the back-and-forth typically required to set appointments, firms free up valuable time for billable work. Users can focus on higher-value tasks.
- Customisation and Control – Bookings allows firms to offer different appointment types, assign services to specific team members, and manage internal resources more efficiently.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 – Since it’s part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Bookings works well with Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint. For example, virtual meetings can automatically generate Teams links, and all bookings sync with calendars.
Practical Applications
Here are just a few examples of how Bookings can be used.
- Let clients book end-of-year tax planning meetings directly via a link in your email signature or website.
- Offer online booking for discovery sessions with potential new clients.
- Allow clients to schedule times to discuss quarterly BAS, management reports, or audit findings.
- Set up different booking pages for different services
Considerations
While powerful, Microsoft Bookings requires proper setup to maximise benefits. Firms should ensure calendars are correctly linked, appointment types are clearly defined, and privacy settings are appropriate. Some clients may still prefer traditional booking methods, so offering that too probably still makes sense.
Conclusion
For accounting firms seeking to modernise and streamline their appointment processes, Microsoft Bookings provides a cost-effective, easy-to-implement solution. When used well, it improves client service, enhances internal efficiency, and integrates with existing Microsoft tools. Use this link to learn more directly from Microsoft: Microsoft Bookings | Microsoft Learn