Using Google Calendar for Client Scheduling – part 1 Calendar Settings
During the development of my site, I realized that I needed a way for my clients to see my availability. I looked around for plug ins and widgets but couldn’t really find what I needed. My requirements were as follows:
- Visually show my schedule whether I was booked or not
- Only show free/ busy data with no details on the client I am working for during booked time
After looking at a long list of options “Google Calendar” seemed to fit the bill. For those of you who use the calendar you will know where the settings are I will describe.
Calendar Settings
In the calendar on the left side of the page there is a “Settings” link. Click this link.
Then click on the “Shared: Edit settings” link.
There are some options available for you to choose from. Use the available check boxes to activate each setting
- Make this Calendar Public
- Share only my free/busy information (Hide details)
The first check box will allow your calendar to appear publicly for the whole world to see. Providing a link to your calendar (shown later) will make it easier for potential clients to see it.
The second check box controls whether or not the visitors to your calendar can see the details on your booked time. Clicking the check box will hide those details, keeping private client information unavailable to the public. Here are my settings.
Once completed, click on the “Save” button
In the next post, I will show how to add the Calendar to your Blog.
