Booking URL Configuration

Booking URL Configuration

Configuring booking URLs allows you to create unique, shareable links for your public booking portal. This guide explains how to set up and manage booking URLs.

What is a Booking URL?

A booking URL is a unique web address that customers use to access your public booking portal. Each booking URL is associated with a specific branch or table, allowing customers to make online reservations.

Understanding Booking Slugs

Booking URLs use "slugs" - unique identifiers that make URLs readable and memorable:

• Slug Format: URL-friendly text (e.g., "downtown-restaurant")
• Unique Identifier: Each branch/table can have its own slug
• Readable: Slugs are human-readable, not random codes
• SEO-Friendly: Slugs help with search engine optimization

Accessing Booking URL Settings

To configure booking URLs:

1. Navigate to Settings → Restaurant Settings
2. Find Public Booking section
3. Locate Public Booking Slug or Booking URL field
4. Configure your booking slug

Creating a Booking Slug

To create a booking slug:

1. Enter a unique identifier in the slug field
2. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only
3. Avoid spaces and special characters
4. Make it memorable and descriptive
5. Examples: "downtown-restaurant", "main-branch", "beach-location"
6. Save the settings

Booking URL Structure

Your booking URL will follow this format:

• Format: https://yoursite.com/book/[your-slug]
• Example: https://yoursite.com/book/downtown-restaurant
• Alternative Format: Some setups may use /booking/ instead of /book/

Slug Best Practices

Tips for creating effective slugs:

• Descriptive: Use names that describe the location or branch
• Short: Keep slugs concise but meaningful
• Consistent: Use consistent naming conventions
• Unique: Ensure each slug is unique
• Memorable: Make slugs easy to remember
• SEO-Friendly: Use relevant keywords

Multiple Branch URLs

If you have multiple branches:

• Separate Slugs: Create unique slug for each branch
• Branch-Specific URLs: Each branch has its own booking URL
• Easy Identification: Use branch names in slugs
• Organized Management: Keep track of slugs for each branch

Table-Specific URLs

For table-level booking URLs:

• Table Slugs: Create slugs for individual tables (if supported)
• Table Settings: Configure slugs in table settings
• Direct Table Booking: Customers can book specific tables

Testing Your Booking URL

Before sharing, test your booking URL:

1. Copy the complete booking URL
2. Open in a new browser window (or incognito mode)
3. Verify the booking portal loads correctly
4. Test the booking process
5. Check on mobile devices
6. Verify all features work properly

Sharing Booking URLs

Once configured, share your booking URL:

• Website: Add "Book a Table" button linking to URL
• Email: Include in email campaigns and newsletters
• Social Media: Share on social media platforms
• WhatsApp: Share via WhatsApp messages
• Business Cards: Print URL on business cards
• QR Code: Generate QR code for easy access

Updating Booking URLs

To change your booking URL:

1. Go to Restaurant Settings
2. Update the booking slug
3. Save the changes
4. Old URL will redirect or become inactive
5. Update any links you've shared
6. Notify customers if URL changes

URL Shortening

If needed, you can shorten URLs:

• URL Shorteners: Use services like bit.ly (optional)
• Custom Domain: Use custom domain for shorter URLs
• QR Codes: QR codes eliminate need to type URLs

Security Considerations

Keep your booking URLs secure:

• Unique Slugs: Use unique, hard-to-guess slugs if needed
• Access Control: Configure who can access booking portal
• Rate Limiting: Prevent abuse of booking system

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

• URL Not Working: Check if public booking is enabled
• 404 Error: Verify slug is correct and active
• Wrong Branch: Ensure correct slug for branch
• Slug Already Exists: Use a different unique slug

Best Practices

• Create memorable and descriptive slugs
• Test URLs before sharing with customers
• Keep slugs consistent across branches
• Document all booking URLs for reference
• Update URLs if branch names change
• Share URLs through multiple channels
• Monitor booking URL performance
• Keep URLs active and accessible

Next Steps

After configuring booking URLs:

• Test the booking portal thoroughly
• Share URLs with customers
• Integrate URLs into your website
• Monitor booking activity
• Update URLs as needed