Tired of juggling endless emails, invoices, and proposals?
As a freelancer or small business owner, you know how quickly client management can become overwhelming.
HoneyBook promises to simplify your workflow with its all-in-one platform, but does it deliver?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into HoneyBook Review features, pricing, and usability to help you decide if it’s the right tool to streamline your business.
Streamline your business and get back to doing what you love. HoneyBook’s intuitive platform automates tasks, manages clients, and gets you paid faster.
What is HoneyBook?
HoneyBook is like a super-organized online assistant for your business.
It helps you keep track of clients, send invoices, and manage projects all in one place.
It’s perfect for freelancers and small business owners who want to start a free trial and simplify their workflow.
HoneyBook’s cost depends on the plan you choose, but you can often find a promo code to save money.
Like many companies, HoneyBook offers free trials, so you can try before you buy!
Who Created HoneyBook?
Shadiah Sigala and Oz Alon founded HoneyBook in 2013.
They wanted to create a tool that would make it easier for small businesses to manage their clients and grow their businesses.
HoneyBook‘s vision is to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed, which is one reason why so many people love HoneyBook.
They also prioritize security, using features like Ray ID technology to protect sensitive information.
Top Benefits of HoneyBook
- Streamline your workflow: HoneyBook helps you automate tasks like sending contracts and invoices, so you can spend less time on admin work and more time on your projects. No more sending the same emails over and over!
- Stay organized: Keep all your client information, contracts, and projects in one central location. It’s like having a personal assistant (but way more affordable).
- Get paid faster: HoneyBook makes it easy for clients to pay you online, which means you get your money quicker.
- Built-in CRM: HoneyBook acts as a simple CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool, helping you track client interactions and nurture relationships.
- Look professional: Impress your clients with branded invoices, proposals, and a personalized client portal.
Best Features of HoneyBook
HoneyBook is packed with features designed to simplify your business and wow your clients.
Here are some of our favorites:
1. Automation
HoneyBook’s automation features are a lifesaver for busy entrepreneurs.
Set up automated workflows to send emails, reminders, and follow-ups, so you can stay on top of tasks without lifting a finger.
This frees up your time to focus on what matters most – growing your business.
2. Online Invoices
Say goodbye to clunky spreadsheets and hello to professional online invoices.
With HoneyBook, you can create and send invoices in seconds.
You can also track payments, send automated payment reminders, and accept payments online, making it easier than ever to get paid on time.
3. Online Scheduling
No more back-and-forth emails trying to find a meeting time that works for everyone.
HoneyBook’s online scheduling feature lets clients book appointments directly through your calendar, eliminating scheduling conflicts and saving you time.
4. Templates
HoneyBook offers a library of professionally designed templates for proposals, contracts, brochures, and more.
You can easily customize these templates to match your brand and save time when creating documents from scratch.
5. Online Contracts
Ditch the paper and go digital with HoneyBook’s online contracts.
Clients can easily review, sign, and pay all in one place.
This simplifies the contract process and ensures you always have a legally binding agreement.
Plus, it’s much easier to manage and track than paper contracts.
Pricing
HoneyBook offers a few different pricing plans to fit your needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of their current offerings:
| PlanMonthly Price Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $19 | Unlimited clients and projects, Invoice and payments, Proposals and contracts, Calendar. |
| Essentials | $39 | Scheduler, Automations, QuickBooks Online integration, Expense management, Profit and loss. |
| Premium | $79 | Unlimited team members, Priority support, Multiple companies. |
Pros and Cons
Choosing the right tools for your business is crucial, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option is key.
Let’s delve deeper into the pros and cons of HoneyBook:
Pros
Cons
Alternatives of HoneyBook
While HoneyBook is a popular choice for client management and business automation, there are other solutions out there.
Here are some notable alternatives worth considering:
- Dubsado: A strong competitor to HoneyBook, Dubsado offers similar features like online contracts, invoicing, and automation. It’s known for its robust customization options and powerful workflows.
- Bonsai: Bonsai is another all-in-one platform designed for freelancers and small businesses. It offers a suite of tools for managing projects, tracking time, sending proposals, and getting paid.
- 17hats: This platform caters specifically to small businesses in creative industries like photography and event planning. It offers features tailored to these niches, including project management, lead capture, and client communication tools.
- Plutio: Plutio is a versatile platform that combines project management, invoicing, and CRM capabilities. It’s known for its intuitive interface and affordability, making it a good option for budget-conscious businesses.
- Keap (formerly Infusionsoft): Keap is a more robust platform that goes beyond basic client management. It offers advanced features like email marketing, sales automation, and e-commerce integrations, making it suitable for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution.
The best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
It’s worth exploring these options and comparing their features to see which one aligns best with your business requirements.
Personal Experience with HoneyBook
My team and I were drowning in spreadsheets and endless email chains, struggling to keep track of client projects and payments.
We knew we needed a better system, so we decided to start a free trial of HoneyBook. Honestly, we were blown away!
Here’s how HoneyBook transformed our workflow:
- Automated our processes: We used HoneyBook’s automation features to send welcome emails, reminders, and invoices, saving us hours each week. No more verification is successful; we are waiting for clients to respond!
- Elevated our brand: HoneyBook’s beautiful email templates allowed us to create a consistent and professional brand experience for our clients.1 We were able to customize everything to match our brand perfectly, making our business look more polished and trustworthy.
- Simplified client communication: The client portal became our central hub for all client interactions. We could easily share files, track progress, and communicate with clients in one organized space.
- Improved payment collection: HoneyBook made it incredibly easy for clients to pay their invoices online. This streamlined our payment process and significantly reduced the time it took to get paid.
While the HoneyBook cost was initially a concern, we quickly realized the value it brought to our business.
The time saved, and the increased efficiency more than justified the investment.
We’ve been using HoneyBook for over a year now, and we can confidently say it’s been a game-changer for our team.
Final Thoughts
HoneyBook is a powerful tool that can truly transform your business.
It streamlines your workflow, automates tasks, and helps you create a professional online presence with a site properly branded for your business.
While the cost might seem high, the time saved and increased efficiency make it a worthwhile investment for many.
However, it’s not a magic bullet for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget or require extensive third-party integrations, you should explore alternative options.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if HoneyBook is right for you is to start a free trial and experience its features firsthand.
You might find that it’s the missing piece you need to take your business to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best HoneyBook alternative?
The “best” alternative depends on your needs, but popular options include Dubsado (robust customization), Bonsai (freelancer-focused), and 17hats (for creatives). Consider factors like budget, features, and ease of use when choosing.
Is HoneyBook worth it for small businesses?
HoneyBook can be a valuable asset for small businesses by streamlining client management, automating tasks, and improving professionalism. However, the cost might be a barrier for some. Consider your budget and needs before deciding.
Does HoneyBook offer a free trial?
Yes, HoneyBook offers a 7-day free trial for all its plans. This allows you to test out the platform and see if it’s a good fit for your business before committing to a paid subscription.
What kind of businesses use HoneyBook?
HoneyBook is popular among freelancers and small businesses in various industries, including photographers, coaches, designers, and consultants. Any company that deals with clients and needs to manage projects, contracts, and invoices can benefit from HoneyBook.
How much does HoneyBook cost?
HoneyBook offers tiered pricing plans, with the Starter plan starting at $16 per month (billed annually). The cost increases with each plan, offering more features and functionality. They also frequently offer discounts and promo codes, so keep an eye out for those!
