Tool review & tips

Calendly

Well known meeting scheduler with simple routing and reminders that reduce no shows and make booking easy for buyers.

Calendly

What it does in 1 sentence

Calendly lets people pick a time from your availability and automatically books the meeting.

Calendly
Overview

Overview of

Calendly

You will love this tool when

You want to eliminate scheduling emails and sync with your calendar.

Ideal for

Commercial teams who want a fast way to schedule sales and customer calls

Pricing

Who is it for icon

Annual pricing

120

Who is it for icon

Monthly starting at

12

Use cases

Who is it for icon

Send a booking link to prospects or leads.

Who is it for icon

Sync events with Google or Outlook Calendar.

Who is it for icon

Set buffers, reminders, and follow-ups easily.

Tools

Alternatives for

Calendly

Looking for other options? These are tools I've personally used with clients or tested extensively. Some might better suit your budget, tech stack, or team size. Consider this a shortlist if you need alternatives.

Meeting scheduling
Lemcal
Tool

Lemcal

Clean scheduling tool with branded pages and smart availability, good for teams that want polish and control.

Cal.com
Tool

Cal.com

Open scheduling tool with routing rules and brand control, useful when you want flexible booking that plays nicely with your stack.

Automation tools

How to automate with

Calendly

Tools like Zapier, n8n and Make.com are incredibly powerful, but they can feel overwhelming when you’re just getting started. Since you can connect almost anything, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Read my guide on automation
Zapier
Tool

Zapier

No code automation that connects apps and moves data, great for quick wins and alerts that save time.

n8n
Tool

n8n

Open source automation with nodes and self hosting, ideal when you need flexibility and privacy with strong workflows.

Make
Tool

Make

Visual automation platform that connects tools and moves data with control and scheduling.

What to consider

Considerations before you buy

Calendly

Calendly is a scheduling tool designed to streamline meeting booking, making it easier for prospects, clients, and colleagues to arrange times without the usual back-and-forth. In B2B marketing and sales, where timing and organisation are critical, Calendly helps save time, automate tedious tasks, and integrate with your existing workflows.

For founders and marketers, Calendly isn’t just a convenience; it’s a tool that allows for a more efficient and effective sales process. Whether you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your internal processes or simplify your client-facing communications, Calendly can help.

Core features of Calendly

Calendly provides an intuitive interface for scheduling meetings. Here are some of the key features that make it ideal for B2B marketers:

Scheduling automation

Calendly removes the need for manual scheduling. Once you set up your availability, prospects and clients can automatically pick a time that suits them. This is invaluable when managing multiple meetings and campaigns simultaneously.

Integration with key tools

Calendly integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like HubSpot, Google Calendar, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. For B2B marketers, these integrations ensure that all meetings are synced, and client data flows smoothly between your CRM, scheduling tool, and communication platform.

Buffer time and customisation

The ability to add buffer times between meetings ensures that you are not rushed and have a moment to prepare for the next call. Calendly also allows you to set different meeting types and adjust your availability for each, making it highly flexible for various use cases.

Calendly’s role in B2B marketing

Calendly is a vital tool in the arsenal of any B2B marketing team. Here’s how I leverage it for success in my campaigns:

Lead qualification and meeting scheduling

Calendly doesn’t just help with scheduling. By linking it to your CRM, you can qualify leads before allowing them to book a meeting with you. With integration, you can ensure that only qualified leads are able to secure time on your calendar, reducing no-shows and wasted efforts.

Time savings and workflow optimisation

For marketing teams, time is often the most precious resource. Calendly helps optimise workflows by reducing time spent on administrative tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities, like strategy and client interactions.

Tips for getting the most out of Calendly

  • Sync with your CRM: By connecting Calendly to your CRM like HubSpot, you can automatically track meetings, update records, and streamline communication.
  • Utilise the group scheduling feature: For team calls, webinars, or events, use Calendly’s group scheduling option. It’s a great way to automatically manage large group meetings without manual intervention.
  • Set up a clear meeting structure: Take advantage of Calendly’s meeting type feature. Offer specific options for discovery calls, demos, or follow-ups to ensure you maintain a professional approach across all interactions.

Alternatives to Calendly: Why I prefer HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal

While Calendly offers a range of features, there are other tools that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs.

  • HubSpot: A robust CRM that includes scheduling capabilities, HubSpot’s meeting tool integrates deeply with your sales pipeline and offers more in-depth reporting features.
  • Cal.com: If you need more customisation or are running a more complex operation, Cal.com might be a better alternative. It offers more control over workflows and is more flexible when setting up meeting types and integrations.
  • Lemcal: Another alternative that provides a user-friendly interface and unique scheduling features for more personalised meeting experiences.

Calendly is excellent for its simplicity and integration but may not be as flexible as some of these alternatives when it comes to complex sales or marketing processes.

In summary, Calendly is an efficient scheduling tool that saves time, reduces administrative work, and integrates seamlessly with your other systems. However, for teams needing deeper functionality, alternatives like HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal might offer additional benefits depending on your business needs.

Learn the tool

Ultimate guide to using

Calendly

My personal notes on how to use this tool.

Calendly is a scheduling tool designed to streamline meeting booking, making it easier for prospects, clients, and colleagues to arrange times without the usual back-and-forth. In B2B marketing and sales, where timing and organisation are critical, Calendly helps save time, automate tedious tasks, and integrate with your existing workflows.

For founders and marketers, Calendly isn’t just a convenience; it’s a tool that allows for a more efficient and effective sales process. Whether you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your internal processes or simplify your client-facing communications, Calendly can help.

Core features of Calendly

Calendly provides an intuitive interface for scheduling meetings. Here are some of the key features that make it ideal for B2B marketers:

Scheduling automation

Calendly removes the need for manual scheduling. Once you set up your availability, prospects and clients can automatically pick a time that suits them. This is invaluable when managing multiple meetings and campaigns simultaneously.

Integration with key tools

Calendly integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like HubSpot, Google Calendar, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. For B2B marketers, these integrations ensure that all meetings are synced, and client data flows smoothly between your CRM, scheduling tool, and communication platform.

Buffer time and customisation

The ability to add buffer times between meetings ensures that you are not rushed and have a moment to prepare for the next call. Calendly also allows you to set different meeting types and adjust your availability for each, making it highly flexible for various use cases.

Calendly’s role in B2B marketing

Calendly is a vital tool in the arsenal of any B2B marketing team. Here’s how I leverage it for success in my campaigns:

Lead qualification and meeting scheduling

Calendly doesn’t just help with scheduling. By linking it to your CRM, you can qualify leads before allowing them to book a meeting with you. With integration, you can ensure that only qualified leads are able to secure time on your calendar, reducing no-shows and wasted efforts.

Time savings and workflow optimisation

For marketing teams, time is often the most precious resource. Calendly helps optimise workflows by reducing time spent on administrative tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities, like strategy and client interactions.

Tips for getting the most out of Calendly

  • Sync with your CRM: By connecting Calendly to your CRM like HubSpot, you can automatically track meetings, update records, and streamline communication.
  • Utilise the group scheduling feature: For team calls, webinars, or events, use Calendly’s group scheduling option. It’s a great way to automatically manage large group meetings without manual intervention.
  • Set up a clear meeting structure: Take advantage of Calendly’s meeting type feature. Offer specific options for discovery calls, demos, or follow-ups to ensure you maintain a professional approach across all interactions.

Alternatives to Calendly: Why I prefer HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal

While Calendly offers a range of features, there are other tools that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs.

  • HubSpot: A robust CRM that includes scheduling capabilities, HubSpot’s meeting tool integrates deeply with your sales pipeline and offers more in-depth reporting features.
  • Cal.com: If you need more customisation or are running a more complex operation, Cal.com might be a better alternative. It offers more control over workflows and is more flexible when setting up meeting types and integrations.
  • Lemcal: Another alternative that provides a user-friendly interface and unique scheduling features for more personalised meeting experiences.

Calendly is excellent for its simplicity and integration but may not be as flexible as some of these alternatives when it comes to complex sales or marketing processes.

In summary, Calendly is an efficient scheduling tool that saves time, reduces administrative work, and integrates seamlessly with your other systems. However, for teams needing deeper functionality, alternatives like HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal might offer additional benefits depending on your business needs.

My personal review

My review of

Calendly

Calendly is a scheduling tool designed to streamline meeting booking, making it easier for prospects, clients, and colleagues to arrange times without the usual back-and-forth. In B2B marketing and sales, where timing and organisation are critical, Calendly helps save time, automate tedious tasks, and integrate with your existing workflows.

For founders and marketers, Calendly isn’t just a convenience; it’s a tool that allows for a more efficient and effective sales process. Whether you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your internal processes or simplify your client-facing communications, Calendly can help.

Core features of Calendly

Calendly provides an intuitive interface for scheduling meetings. Here are some of the key features that make it ideal for B2B marketers:

Scheduling automation

Calendly removes the need for manual scheduling. Once you set up your availability, prospects and clients can automatically pick a time that suits them. This is invaluable when managing multiple meetings and campaigns simultaneously.

Integration with key tools

Calendly integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like HubSpot, Google Calendar, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. For B2B marketers, these integrations ensure that all meetings are synced, and client data flows smoothly between your CRM, scheduling tool, and communication platform.

Buffer time and customisation

The ability to add buffer times between meetings ensures that you are not rushed and have a moment to prepare for the next call. Calendly also allows you to set different meeting types and adjust your availability for each, making it highly flexible for various use cases.

Calendly’s role in B2B marketing

Calendly is a vital tool in the arsenal of any B2B marketing team. Here’s how I leverage it for success in my campaigns:

Lead qualification and meeting scheduling

Calendly doesn’t just help with scheduling. By linking it to your CRM, you can qualify leads before allowing them to book a meeting with you. With integration, you can ensure that only qualified leads are able to secure time on your calendar, reducing no-shows and wasted efforts.

Time savings and workflow optimisation

For marketing teams, time is often the most precious resource. Calendly helps optimise workflows by reducing time spent on administrative tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities, like strategy and client interactions.

Tips for getting the most out of Calendly

  • Sync with your CRM: By connecting Calendly to your CRM like HubSpot, you can automatically track meetings, update records, and streamline communication.
  • Utilise the group scheduling feature: For team calls, webinars, or events, use Calendly’s group scheduling option. It’s a great way to automatically manage large group meetings without manual intervention.
  • Set up a clear meeting structure: Take advantage of Calendly’s meeting type feature. Offer specific options for discovery calls, demos, or follow-ups to ensure you maintain a professional approach across all interactions.

Alternatives to Calendly: Why I prefer HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal

While Calendly offers a range of features, there are other tools that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs.

  • HubSpot: A robust CRM that includes scheduling capabilities, HubSpot’s meeting tool integrates deeply with your sales pipeline and offers more in-depth reporting features.
  • Cal.com: If you need more customisation or are running a more complex operation, Cal.com might be a better alternative. It offers more control over workflows and is more flexible when setting up meeting types and integrations.
  • Lemcal: Another alternative that provides a user-friendly interface and unique scheduling features for more personalised meeting experiences.

Calendly is excellent for its simplicity and integration but may not be as flexible as some of these alternatives when it comes to complex sales or marketing processes.

In summary, Calendly is an efficient scheduling tool that saves time, reduces administrative work, and integrates seamlessly with your other systems. However, for teams needing deeper functionality, alternatives like HubSpot, Cal.com, or Lemcal might offer additional benefits depending on your business needs.

Playbooks

Calendly

is part of

Meeting scheduling

This tool is part of tactical playbooks that walk you through every stage of this engine. Read the full guides to learn how to implement the framework, set up your infrastructure, and execute the tactics that drive results.

See all playbooks
Playbook

Meeting scheduling

Choose the right scheduler. Set fair routing and buffers, send reminders that cut no shows, and ensure every booking creates the correct record, owner and follow up tasks in the CRM.

See playbook
Meeting scheduling
Growth wiki

Growth concepts explained in simple language

Key concepts and frameworks explained clearly. Quick reference when you need to understand a term, refresh your knowledge, or share with your team.

See entire growth wiki
Eyebrow title

SQL

use case icon

Topic

Who is it for icon

Playbook

Identify prospects that sales has vetted as qualified opportunities, establishing the handoff from marketing to active deal pursuit.

Eyebrow title

BANT

use case icon

Topic

Who is it for icon

Playbook

Qualify leads systematically by assessing budget, authority, need, and timing to focus sales effort on high-potential opportunities.

Eyebrow title

MQL

use case icon

Topic

Who is it for icon

Playbook

Flag leads who meet defined engagement or fit criteria, creating a qualified handoff between marketing and sales for efficient follow-up.

Course

Why most B2B marketers don't get the results they want

Most B2B marketers are either Random Ricks (trying everything) or Specialist Steves (obsessed with one channel). Generalists run tactics without strategy. Specialists hit channel ceilings. But there's a better way.

See entire course
Random Rick
Always-busy marketer

Tries everything at once. Posts on LinkedIn, runs ads, tweaks the website, chases referrals. Nothing compounds because nothing's consistent. Growth feels chaotic.

Specialist Steve
Single channel specialist

Obsessed with one tactic. 'We just need better ads' or 'SEO will fix everything.' Ignores the rest of the system. One strong engine can't carry a broken machine.

Solid Sarah
Full-funnel marketer

Finds the bottleneck. Fixes that first. Then moves to the next weakest link. Builds a system that's predictable, measurable and doesn't need 80-hour weeks.

Start for free

Sarah grows faster than Rick and Steve. Want to know how Solid Sarah does it?

Learn how she diagnoses bottlenecks, orchestrates the four engines, and drives predictable growth. Choose if you want to read or watch:

See full course
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Get practical frameworks delivered daily. Seven short emails explain how Sarah diagnoses bottlenecks, orchestrates the four engines, and builds systems that compound.

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See the course in action

Free 45-minute video module from the full course. Watch how to diagnose your growth bottleneck and see exactly what the course platform looks like.

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