What to look for
- Session lengths and types, with time between clients built in.
- Working hours, breaks and days off that clients cannot book over.
- Packages, such as six sessions, and gift vouchers for birthdays and Christmas.
- A short health questions form before the first session.
- Reminder emails and an easy way for clients to move or cancel.
- Card payments straight to you, and receipts in your name.
- Calendar sync, so personal appointments block out your diary.
Gift vouchers and packages matter
For many massage therapists, vouchers and prepaid packages bring in repeat custom. Check that vouchers are sold from your own site, that they do not expire if you want that, and that the value comes off the price at booking.
Options in the UK
As listed on each company's own site in November 2026:
- Fresha is a salon and spa booking app with a marketplace. It is £14.95 a month plus VAT, with a 20% one-time fee on new clients who find you through its marketplace. Practitioner vs Fresha.
- Acuity is a booking tool you embed in your own site, from £12 a month. Practitioner vs Acuity.
- Squarespace websites start from £16 a month, with Acuity added for booking. Practitioner vs Squarespace.
- Wix is a website builder with a booking app. Practitioner vs Wix.
- Cliniko is clinic software built around treatment notes, with a booking page you add to your own site. It is £29 a month. Practitioner vs Cliniko.
For a longer side-by-side, see our guide to the best software for therapists in the UK.
Think about where clients find you
Some booking apps come with a marketplace that lists you to new people. That can help, but ask about any fee on those clients. A booking page on your own website, plus a listing in a directory, keeps you in charge of the relationship.
Reminders and missed appointments
A missed massage is an empty hour you cannot get back. Reminder emails the day before and shortly before help, and a clear cut-off for moving or cancelling sets expectations. Put your policy on your booking page and in the confirmation email, so nobody is surprised. Many therapists also like a short note about arriving a few minutes early and what to wear.
More questions
Can I sell gift vouchers online?
Yes. They are sold from your site, sent as a card on the day the buyer picks, and the value comes off the price when used.
Can clients book a block of sessions?
Yes. You can set up packages, for example six sessions.
Do I need a separate website?
Not with Practitioner. A website comes with it, on your own domain or a free address.
