Manage your scheduling privately with Cal.com's private links expiration options
In the fast-paced world of online scheduling, flexibility is key. Cal.com’s updated private links feature offers you more control over how long your links stay active, making it ideal for limiting who has access to your booking page and for managing special offers or exclusive invites. Here's how these new expiration settings can help you keep your scheduling organized and secure.
What are private links in Cal.com?
Private links are custom scheduling links that let you share your booking page with a select audience. Unlike public links, which can be shared widely, private links ensure that only those with the link can book appointments. This makes them perfect for a range of scenarios, from exclusive events to keeping your booking page secure and only accessible by those you choose.
All features of private links expirations settings
Cal.com offers advanced control over your private links, with several options for managing their expiration and access:
1. Multiple Private Links per Event Type
You can create multiple private links for the same event type, each with its own unique rules and expiration settings. This means you can tailor the access for different clients or promotions, allowing for greater flexibility and control.
Example: Create one link for VIP clients with a limited number of uses and another for a limited-time offer that expires after 48 hours.
2. Usage-Based Expiry
With the usage-based expiry option, you can set your private link to automatically expire after a specific number of successful bookings. This is perfect for events or offers where you want to limit access to a certain number of participants.
Example: Set a link to expire after 2 successful bookings, ensuring your event doesn’t exceed its capacity.
3. Date-Based Expiry
For time-sensitive events or offers, you can set a specific expiry date after which the private link will no longer be usable. This ensures that your links are only available for a predetermined time window.
Example: A private link could be valid until August 31, 2025, after which it becomes inactive.
4. Non-Guessable, Secure URLs
Each private link generated by Cal.com is a secure, hash-based URL that cannot be easily guessed or found by others. This adds an extra layer of security to your booking process, ensuring that only those with the direct link can access it.
5. Granular Control via Event Type Settings
All private links are managed under the Advanced tab of your event type settings. This allows you to have full control over each private link you create, making it easier to adjust rules and expiration settings for every unique event.
Example: You can manage multiple event links with distinct settings, ensuring that your booking page remains organized and secure at all times.
How to set up expiring private links
Open an Event Type Go to the Event Types section in your dashboard and select the one you want to configure.
Go to the Advanced Tab Inside the event type settings, switch to the Advanced tab.
Create a Private Link
Toggle Private Link if it isn’t already
Click Add Private Link to add more links
Click on the settings (gear) icon in front of the private link and define:
Number of allowed uses, or
Expiry date
Save the private link configuration
Save the event Type settings to be able to use the link
Share the Link Securely Copy and share the generated link only with the intended invitees.
What to expect from private links with expiration options
If a private link has usage limit, it will expire after the set number of bookings are made using the link.
If a private link has date limit, it will expire after the set date.
Once expired, the link will:
No longer be accessible
Show 404 error page if opened
Private links do not appear on your main booking page or directory
You can delete any private link at any time from the same event type settings
You can configure any active private links from the same event type settings
Best practices and tips for using expiring private links
To get the most out of Cal.com’s new private link expiration settings, here are some best practices and practical applications:
1. Keep your main booking page private
Example: If you don’t want your booking link to be widely shared or accessible to anyone, create a private link with an expiration time (e.g., 48 hours). Share it only with select clients or team members, ensuring that your booking page remains private and not overbooked.
Tip: Regularly update the private link and expiration settings to make sure only the right people can book, avoiding accidental double bookings or unnecessary access.
2. Use expiring links for limited-time promotions
Example: If you're offering a flash sale or a discount for the first 50 customers, you can set the link to expire after a certain number of uses (e.g., 50 bookings). This ensures that the promotion doesn’t extend beyond your intended reach.
Tip: Pair the link expiration with countdowns or limited availability messaging to create urgency and increase bookings.
3. Control access for exclusive consultations or services
Example: Offering personal consultations or a VIP-only service? Set a private link to expire after a set number of bookings or after a specific time. This limits who can book, ensuring it stays exclusive to the right audience.
Tip: Use the expiration feature to ensure that clients have a set window to book, encouraging quicker responses and bookings.
4. Maintain a clean and organized booking page
Example: If you're running multiple campaigns or time-sensitive events, it’s easy to let outdated links linger on your page. Use the expiration setting to automatically remove old booking links after a specified time or number of uses, keeping your page clutter-free.
Tip: Set up recurring private links that expire after each event or session, so your booking page is always up-to-date.
5. Manage time-sensitive offers
Example: For seasonal promotions or flash deals, create private links with expiration settings that automatically close once the promotion period ends. This ensures that only those who act within the given window can book.
Tip: Communicate the expiration date or time in your emails or promotional posts to encourage customers to act before the link expires.
Conclusion
Cal.com’s new expiration settings for private links give you enhanced flexibility and control over your booking process. Whether you’re trying to protect your main booking page from being shared widely, managing exclusive events, or ensuring your promotions stay within a limited time window, these updates make it easier to manage who has access to your calendar.
By leveraging the new expiration settings, you can maintain a more organized, efficient, and secure booking experience for both you and your clients. Try them out today to optimize your scheduling and boost your productivity!
Try Cal.com today and experience the power of private links
Ready to take full control of your scheduling? With Cal.com's new private links expiration options, you can manage access, limit bookings, and keep your calendar clean and secure. Whether you’re running exclusive promotions or just want to protect your booking page, Cal.com makes it easy to customize your scheduling experience.
Sign up for Cal.com today and start using private links to enhance your scheduling process. Try it out and see how much easier and more efficient your booking management can be!
