We've replaced the old Gap Protection setting with something much more flexible: Booking Optimisation. It gives you direct control over how Glamly handles gaps between appointments when clients book online — with three distinct modes to match how your business actually runs.
Why does this matter?
Not every available slot is actually useful to your schedule. Here's a simple example:
- Client A books 10:00–10:30
- Client B books 11:00–11:30
That leaves a 30-minute gap in the middle. If none of your services fit into that gap, the time is effectively wasted. On the other hand, hiding too many slots can reduce the availability clients see — and cost you bookings.
The three modes
Maximise Bookings
Shows clients every slot that technically fits — no restrictions on the gaps left behind.
The appeal
- Maximum visibility
- Clients always see the most availability
- Great for filling the diary aggressively
The downside
Can create small unusable gaps between appointments, especially if your services vary in length.
Best for
- Barbers and fast-paced businesses
- Businesses where most services are similar lengths
- Anyone who prefers maximum availability
Balanced
Hides slots most likely to create awkward unusable gaps, while still keeping strong availability visible.
The appeal
- Cleaner schedules
- Fewer wasted gaps
- Booking availability stays generous
The downside
A slot that technically could have worked may occasionally be hidden to protect the overall flow of your day.
Best for
- Most businesses
- Salons with mixed service durations
- Businesses wanting balance between occupancy and schedule cleanliness
Protect Schedule
Only shows slots that keep the diary as clean and efficient as possible — no fragment is left behind.
The appeal
- Minimises wasted time between appointments
- Creates tighter, cleaner schedules
- Best for heavily booked calendars
The downside
Clients will see fewer available slots, especially if your services vary in length. This can reduce booking opportunities in exchange for a cleaner schedule.
Best for
- Dense back-to-back schedules
- Long appointments
- Businesses prioritising diary efficiency
Important to know
There is no universally "correct" mode. Different businesses prioritise different things — some want maximum bookings, some want cleaner schedules, some want a balance of both.
You can switch modes at any time with no disruption to existing bookings. Changes take effect immediately on your booking page.
Settings → Rules → Booking Optimisation
If you're unsure where to start, we recommend Balanced as the best all-round option for most businesses. It keeps your availability generous while quietly protecting your day from the worst fragmentation.