Many service businesses rely on scheduling to make their business go: doctors, dentists, salons and even car repair shops all book appointments to drive their business.

But while many small businesses have been able to move key elements of their business online -- such as e-commerce sales or email marketing -- small business booking/scheduling has lagged behind.

How Genbook Works

USA Today's small biz writer Kim Komando points out some new online services that might change that, including HourTown, GenBook and BookingAngel.

Writes Komando:

Sure, your website can provide information about your business. But it can't make a sale. That's because your clients can't book appointments online. Your clients still must call or e-mail to schedule an appointment. And you probably can't handle client requests 24/7. This means wasted time calling back clients for scheduling.

New sites are offering solutions to the problem. They make it possible for clients to schedule appointments online. You can eliminate the back-and-forth and reduce the time spent on scheduling. And your clients will appreciate the simplicity, too.

If scheduling is key to your small business, these sites and services are worth a look.