---
title: "Quickstart Guide: Set Up Your First Appointment"
description: "Learn how to set up your first appointment with AppointDash using this step-by-step guide, from accessing the dashboard to finalizing a booking."
url: "https://appointdash.com/documentation/quickstart-guide/"
updated: "2026-10-21"
category: Getting Started with AppointDash
---

# Quickstart Guide: Set Up Your First Appointment

## Before You Begin

Before setting up your first appointment with AppointDash, ensure you have installed the plugin on your WordPress site. If you haven't done so yet, login to your WordPress Dashboard, go to plugins and install/activate the plugin downloaded from our site. Also, confirm that you have administrative access to your WordPress dashboard, as this is necessary for managing appointments, services, and staff. Familiarity with basic WordPress navigation will also be beneficial as you proceed through this guide.

## Access Your AppointDash Dashboard

The first step in setting up an appointment is accessing the AppointDash dashboard. This dashboard is your central hub for managing all aspects of your appointment booking process. Navigate to your WordPress admin panel and locate the AppointDash plugin in the left-hand menu. Click on the "AppointDash" menu item to open the dashboard. Here, you will find options to manage bookings, staff, and services efficiently. Start by entering your business details in the General tab of the Settings page.

## Set Up Your Services

Before you can schedule appointments, you need to define the services you offer. In the AppointDash dashboard, click on the "Services" menu. This section allows you to create and customize the services you provide, including setting duration, price, and description. Make sure to enter all relevant details to ensure clients understand what each service entails.

1. Click on "New service" to create a new service.
2. In the "Details" tab, enter the service name and description. If desired upload a descriptive image to go along with the service.
3. Select from the category dropdown. For example, in the case of a beauty salon you could have a category for hair and another for nails.
4. Enter a price for the service and select a deposit amount.
5. From the "Timing Rules" tab enter the duration and buffer time rules for this service.
6. Save your changes by clicking the "Create Service" button.

## Configure Staff Availability

Next, configure the availability of staff members who will be conducting the appointments. Go to the "Staff" menu in the AppointDash dashboard. Here you can add staff members and set their working hours. This step is crucial to ensure that appointments are booked only when staff are available.

1. Click "New staff" to add a staff member.
2. Enter the staff member's name and contact information from the "Details" page.
3. From the "Services Assigned" tab select the services involving this staff member.
4. Set the available days and hours for this staff member from the "Weekly Schedule".
5. Save the staff profile by clicking "Create Staff".

## Set Up Your Location(s)

Next, you need to define at least one location, along with the regular hours of operation. In the AppointDash dashboard, click on the "Locations" menu. This section allows you to select the staff working per location as well as the list of services offered at each specific location.

1. Click on "New location" to create a new location.
2. Enter the location name and address on the "Details" tab.
3. Select the staff and services available at this location from the "Staff & Services" tab.
4. Select the working hours of this location from the "Hours of Operation" tab.
5. Lastly click on "Create Location"

## Create Your First Appointment

With services and staff availability set, you are ready to create your first appointment. Return to the AppointDash dashboard and select the "Bookings" menu or click on "New Booking" directly from the Dashboard near the top right of the screen. From here, you can manually add appointments or view upcoming bookings. This is where you will manage all scheduling activities.

1. Click on "Create Booking" to start a new booking.
2. Select a location from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose the service and staff member for the appointment.
4. Select the date and time based on staff availability.
5. Select a client from your list or enter new client details.
6. Click "Create Booking" to finalize the booking.

## Next Steps

Now that you have set up your first appointment, explore additional features of AppointDash to enhance your booking process. Consider reviewing the [Pricing Options Explained](https://appointdash.com/docs/pricing-options/) to understand the different plans available and choose one that best suits your business needs. Continue to familiarize yourself with AppointDash's capabilities to make the most out of your booking plugin.