AI is no longer something that belongs to the future - it’s already here, shaping how customers interact with businesses. From personalised recommendations to instant communication, families are coming to expect faster, smarter, and more tailored experiences. For class-based businesses, the next three years will bring a big shift in expectations. The question is: how do you prepare?
1. The Changing Expectations of Families
Parents and adult learners are busy, and they increasingly want:
- Convenience - Booking, paying, and rescheduling on the go without delays.
- Personalisation - Offers and communication that reflect their history and preferences.
- Instant responses - Quick answers to questions and confirmations without waiting for emails.
- Trust and security - Confidence their data and payments are safe.
AI is the driving force behind meeting these expectations.
2. What AI Will Bring to Class Businesses
AI is set to reshape the way bookings and communication work. Expect to see:
- Smarter automation - AI-driven systems that learn from behaviour to send the right reminders, upsells, or promotions at the right time.
- Predictive tools - Systems that help you anticipate demand and optimise schedules before classes fill up or drop off.
- Enhanced personalisation - Communication tailored to each family, such as suggesting follow-on courses or related activities.
- Virtual assistants - AI chat and email tools that handle routine customer queries instantly, reducing admin for providers.
3. Why It Matters for Providers
If you’re not keeping up with these shifts, you risk losing customers to businesses that do. Families will expect class providers to:
- Respond faster - AI chat tools and automated emails set a new standard.
- Make booking effortless - AI will reduce friction by simplifying checkout and remembering preferences.
- Offer flexible, smart payments - Families will prefer providers who offer recurring billing, bundles, and digital wallets with ease.
4. How Book That In Helps You Prepare
Book That In already builds AI and automation into its roadmap, helping providers stay ahead of rising expectations:
- AI-driven automation - Smart workflows reduce admin by automating reminders, follow-ups, and waitlist notifications.
- Webhook integrations - Connect BTI to tools like Zapier or Make.com to automate post-booking workflows such as invoicing, reminders, and updating mailing lists.
- Flexible payment options - From recurring billing to Stripe’s Link payments, families get smoother checkout experiences.
- Comprehensive data reporting - Reports like All Contacts and Income give insights into behaviour and performance to guide better decisions.
By adopting these features now, you’re already building the foundations for the customer experience of tomorrow.
See how other providers are using it on the reviews page.
5. What You Can Do Today
- Automate your admin - Set up reminders, re-enrolment prompts, and communication workflows.
- Use reporting tools - Get familiar with attendance, bookings, and income reports to make informed decisions.
- Offer flexible payments - Introduce recurring subscriptions and digital wallet payments.
- Stay ahead on AI developments - Follow BTI’s roadmap for upcoming AI-powered features.
Final Thoughts
Over the next three years, AI will transform how families expect to interact with class providers. Faster responses, tailored experiences, and effortless booking will become the norm. By embracing automation, flexible payments, and data-driven tools today, you’ll be ready to meet those expectations tomorrow. Book That In gives you a head start by combining today’s solutions with tomorrow’s innovations. Ready to see it in action? Book your demo today.