The way customers book classes is changing rapidly. Technology, shifting consumer habits, and rising expectations mean that what worked five years ago may not be enough in the near future. For small business owners running classes or workshops, staying ahead of these trends can make the difference between thriving and falling behind. The future of class bookings is about smarter systems, smoother experiences, and stronger customer relationships.
1. Why the Booking Experience Matters More Than Ever
Today’s customers expect booking to be quick, easy, and mobile-friendly. If the process feels clunky or outdated, they’ll abandon it. Looking ahead, the booking experience will only become more central to how families and individuals choose providers. Systems that combine convenience with trust will have the edge.
2. Key Trends to Watch in Class Bookings
AI Assistants and Automation
AI is moving beyond buzzword status. Expect booking systems to use AI to:
- Automate admin tasks like reminders, follow-ups, and waitlist notifications.
- Offer smart recommendations, such as suggesting a next class based on past bookings.
- Provide predictive insights, helping providers anticipate demand and manage resources.
Flexible Payments
Families want more choice in how they pay. The future will see:
- Wider use of recurring payments for predictable income.
- Flexible options like pay-per-class, blocks, and session packs.
- Integration with digital wallets and alternative payment platforms.
Personalised Customer Journeys
Booking systems will need to feel personal, not generic:
- Tailored emails and reminders that reflect customer history.
- Offers and promotions based on behaviour, such as encouraging re-enrolment after trials.
- More control for families to manage bookings, payments, and attendance online.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Data is becoming a vital part of managing class businesses:
- Reports that show attendance, revenue, and retention trends.
- Insights into which classes or times are most popular.
- Tools that make it easy to test promotions and measure results.
3. How Small Business Owners Can Prepare Now
- Adopt automation early - Start using systems that already automate admin like reminders and registers.
- Offer flexible payment models - Introduce recurring subscriptions or block bookings to attract more families.
- Use data actively - Monitor reports on attendance and income, and make decisions based on real numbers.
- Prioritise mobile design - Test your booking journey on phones to ensure it’s smooth and fast.
- Focus on communication - Personalise emails and updates so families feel connected.
4. How Book That In Fits into the Future
Book That In is designed to keep up with future business needs by integrating key trends like automation, flexible payment options, and comprehensive data reporting.
- Webhook-driven automation streamlines post-booking workflows such as invoicing, sending reminders, and updating mailing lists, helping businesses save time and reduce errors.
- Flexible payments include recurring billing tools and Stripe’s Link payment option, which simplifies checkout for customers while reducing fees for businesses.
- Data reporting features like the All Contacts Report and Income Report provide valuable insights into customer behaviour, revenue, and booking trends. These reports make it easier to make informed decisions and optimise operations.
Looking ahead, Book That In plans to expand AI-driven capabilities and smarter customer engagement tools, helping providers stay competitive and meet rising customer expectations.
See what other providers are saying on the reviews page.
Final Thoughts
The future of class bookings is about more than taking payments – it’s about creating a seamless, personalised experience backed by smart technology. From AI assistants to flexible payments, the trends are clear: families want convenience and confidence. By preparing now and using tools like Book That In, small business owners can future-proof their booking process and stay ahead of the curve. Ready to see what’s next? Book your demo today