Onboarding workflow

Launching your InkWell studio should feel controlled, not rushed.

This guide walks you from account setup to a live, tested booking page. The aim is not just to publish, it is to publish confidently.

Step 1: Connect payments first

Before adding services or availability, Connect Stripe.

Payments are the backbone of the system. Without an active and verified Stripe account, you cannot enable your public studio page or collect deposits.

Complete Stripe onboarding and ensure your status shows as verified. This removes the most common launch blocker early.

Step 2: Define your profile

InkWell is built around your studio profile:

• Your studio name and bio
• Your location and contact details
• Your portfolio and styles

Start simple. You can add team members and expand your profile later.

Avoid overbuilding during your first setup. A clean, focused profile is easier to test and refine.

Step 3: Add your services

Create your service list.

Keep it focused.

Add your core services with clear descriptions and pricing. Set deposit amounts for each service. Only add variations that reflect real booking decisions.

The goal of your first launch is validation, not catalogue expansion.

Step 4: Set your availability

Configure your weekly availability:

• Working hours for each day
• Appointment slot durations
• Buffer time between appointments
• Any blocked dates

These decisions shape how clients can request bookings.

If you are unsure, start conservatively. You can adjust once you see real booking patterns.

Step 5: Publish and test

Once your profile is complete, publish your studio page.

Before sharing the link publicly:

• Submit a test booking request.
• Confirm the request appears in your dashboard.
• Confirm notification emails are received.
• Confirm the quote and deposit flow works end to end.
• Confirm the appointment appears in your schedule.

This test is essential. It validates the entire chain from client request to confirmed appointment.

Step 6: Promote intentionally

Only once the system behaves as expected should you:

• Share your studio page link.
• Add the link to your social media bio.
• Announce availability to clients.

Review Dashboard -> Settings -> Branding so your public profile, bio, and social links are current.

Avoid launching and configuring simultaneously. A stable setup creates a better first impression.

What a successful first launch looks like

You should have:

• One verified Stripe connection.
• A complete studio profile.
• At least one service listed with pricing.
• Availability configured.
• A published studio page.
• At least one successful test booking flow.

From there, expansion is straightforward.

A final note

InkWell is designed to reduce the admin around booking management. The best results come from disciplined initial setup.

Launch focused. Validate the flow. Then expand with confidence.