Quick Start
This guide covers every HoneyBook feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use Automation — Automate emails, tasks, and follow-ups
- How to Use Online Invoices — Send invoices and get paid fast
- How to Use Online Scheduling — Let clients book meetings directly
- How to Use Templates — Save time with pre-built files
- How to Use Online Contracts — Send and sign contracts digitally
- How to Use Online Payment Tool — Accept cards and bank transfers
- How to Use Business AI — Draft emails and recaps with AI
- How to Use Marketing Services — Capture leads from your website
- How to Use HoneyBook Integrations — Connect your favorite apps
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used HoneyBook for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use HoneyBook tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
HoneyBook is one of the most powerful client management tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
HoneyBook Tutorial
This complete HoneyBook tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
HoneyBook
Stop juggling spreadsheets, emails, and invoices across five different apps. HoneyBook puts proposals, contracts, payments, and scheduling in one clean dashboard. Try free for 7 days — no credit card required.
Getting Started with HoneyBook
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to HoneyBook’s website.
Click “Start Free Trial” in the top right corner.
Enter your email and create a password.
HoneyBook offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card needed.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Set Up Your Brand Profile
Navigate to Company Settings from the left sidebar.
Upload your logo, set brand colors, and add your business name.
This branding appears on every proposal, invoice, and contract you send.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with your logo displayed.
Step 3: Connect Your Bank Account and Email
Add your business bank account to receive payments through invoices.
Sync your Gmail or Outlook to keep all client emails in one place.
Set up your project types to match the services you offer.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use HoneyBook Automation
Automation lets you send emails, files, and reminders on autopilot.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Automation in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Automations Tab
Click “Automations” in the left sidebar menu.
You’ll see a list of pre-built workflow templates to choose from.
Step 2: Choose a Trigger and Action
Select a trigger like “New inquiry received” or “Contract signed.”
Then pick an action such as sending an email or creating a task.
You can chain multiple actions into one workflow.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your trigger and action connected in the workflow builder.
Step 3: Activate Your Workflow
Review each step in your automation sequence.
Toggle the workflow to “Active” when you’re satisfied.
✅ Result: Your workflow now runs automatically every time the trigger fires.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with the “New Inquiry” automation first. It sends a welcome email within minutes of a lead contacting you, which can dramatically increase your booking rate.
How to Use HoneyBook Online Invoices
Online Invoices lets you bill clients and track payments in real time.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Online Invoices in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Invoice
Open a client project and click “Create New” then select “Invoice.”
Add your line items, quantities, and prices for each service.
Step 2: Set Payment Terms
Choose whether to accept full payment or split it into installments.
Set due dates and enable automatic payment reminders for overdue invoices.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the payment schedule with due dates displayed on the invoice preview.
Step 3: Send the Invoice to Your Client
Click “Send” and your client receives the invoice via email.
They can pay by credit card or bank transfer directly from the invoice.
✅ Result: Your client can view, approve, and pay the invoice online in under a minute.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine your invoice with a contract in a single Smart File. Clients can sign and pay in one step, which speeds up the booking process.
How to Use HoneyBook Online Scheduling
Online Scheduling lets you share a booking link so clients pick a time that works.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Online Scheduling in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Connect Your Calendar
Go to Settings and connect your Google Calendar or Outlook.
This prevents double-booking by syncing your existing events.
Step 2: Set Your Availability
Define which days and time slots you’re open for meetings.
Add buffer time between sessions to avoid back-to-back scheduling.
You can create different session types like “Discovery Call” or “Consultation.”
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your available time slots displayed on the scheduling page preview.
Step 3: Share Your Booking Link
Copy your personal scheduling link and add it to your website or email signature.
Clients pick a time, and it automatically appears on your calendar.
✅ Result: Clients book meetings without the back-and-forth email chain.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a paid session type for consultations. HoneyBook collects payment when clients book, so you get paid before the meeting starts.
How to Use HoneyBook Templates
Templates lets you save pre-built proposals, contracts, and emails for reuse.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Templates in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Browse the Template Gallery
Click “Templates” in the left sidebar to open the template library.
HoneyBook offers dozens of pre-made templates for proposals, invoices, and contracts.
Step 2: Customize a Template
Select a template and edit the text, images, and branding to match your business.
Add your logo, services, pricing, and terms.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your customized template with your brand colors and logo applied.
Step 3: Save and Reuse
Save your edited version as a new template.
Next time you need it, select it from your saved templates and send in seconds.
✅ Result: You’ve created a reusable template that saves you 15+ minutes per client.
💡 Pro Tip: Build one master proposal template that includes your contract and invoice. This becomes your “one-click booking” file for every new client.
How to Use HoneyBook Online Contracts
Online Contracts lets you create, send, and get contracts signed digitally.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Online Contracts in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Contract
Open a project and click “Create New” then select “Contract.”
Choose a blank contract or start from a template.
Step 2: Add Your Terms and Signature Fields
Type or paste your contract terms, cancellation policy, and payment details.
Drag signature and date fields where you need them signed.
You can also upload an existing contract file if you prefer.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see signature fields highlighted on your contract preview.
Step 3: Send for Signature
Click “Send” and your client receives a link to review and sign.
Both parties get a signed copy by email once the contract is complete.
✅ Result: Your contract is signed and stored in the project — no printing or scanning needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Bundle your contract with an invoice in a Smart File. Clients sign and pay in one step, cutting your booking time in half.
How to Use HoneyBook Online Payment Tool
Online Payment Tool lets you accept credit cards and bank transfers directly.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Online Payment Tool in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Verify Your Bank Details
Go to Settings and confirm your bank account is connected.
HoneyBook deposits payments directly to your linked bank account.
Step 2: Set Up Payment Options
Enable credit card and ACH bank transfer payments in your settings.
Choose whether to accept full payments or allow installment plans.
Processing fees are 2.9% + $0.25 for cards and 1.5% for bank transfers.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see both payment methods enabled in your payment settings.
Step 3: Send a Payment Request
Attach a payment link to any invoice, proposal, or Smart File.
Clients click the link, choose their payment method, and pay instantly.
✅ Result: Money lands in your bank account within 2-3 business days.
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage clients to pay via ACH bank transfer. The processing fee is nearly half of credit card fees, which saves you money on every transaction.
How to Use HoneyBook Business AI
Business AI lets you draft emails, create project recaps, and write responses faster.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Business AI in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the AI Assistant
Click the AI icon when composing an email or working inside a project.
The AI assistant appears as a sidebar panel ready to help.
Step 2: Choose What You Need
Select “Draft Email,” “Project Recap,” or “Rewrite” from the options.
The AI reads your project context and generates a personalized draft.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a draft appear in the text editor that matches your project details.
Step 3: Edit and Send
Review the AI draft and make any personal tweaks.
Click “Send” when the message matches your voice and tone.
✅ Result: You’ve drafted and sent a polished email in under 30 seconds.
💡 Pro Tip: Use AI for follow-up emails after consultations. It pulls project details automatically, so your follow-ups feel personal without extra typing.
How to Use HoneyBook Marketing Services
Marketing Services lets you capture leads from your website using contact forms.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Marketing Services in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a Contact Form
Go to “Tools” and select “Contact Form” to build a new lead capture form.
Add fields for name, email, event date, budget, and service type.
Step 2: Customize and Embed
Match the form colors and style to your website branding.
Copy the embed code and paste it into your website’s contact page.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the contact form live on your website after embedding.
Step 3: Connect to an Automation
Link your contact form to a workflow that sends an instant reply.
New inquiries automatically create a project in your pipeline.
✅ Result: Every website visitor who fills out the form becomes a tracked lead in HoneyBook.
💡 Pro Tip: Add Facebook and Instagram lead forms to your HoneyBook account too. Social media leads flow into the same pipeline as website inquiries.
How to Use HoneyBook Integrations
HoneyBook Integrations lets you connect tools like QuickBooks, Zapier, and Google Calendar.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch HoneyBook Integrations in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Integrations Page
Go to Settings and click “Integrations” to see all available connections.
HoneyBook supports QuickBooks, Zapier, Google Calendar, and more.
Step 2: Connect Your App
Click “Connect” next to the app you want to link.
Follow the authorization steps to grant HoneyBook access.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a green “Connected” badge next to the app name.
Step 3: Configure Sync Settings
Choose what data syncs between the apps.
For QuickBooks, payments and invoices sync automatically for bookkeeping.
✅ Result: Your HoneyBook data flows into your other business tools without manual entry.
💡 Pro Tip: Connect QuickBooks first if you do your own accounting. It saves hours of manual data entry at tax time by syncing every payment automatically.
HoneyBook Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing HoneyBook for over two years, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create new project | Click “+” on dashboard |
| Quick search contacts | Use search bar (top) |
| Send file to client | “Create New” → Select file type |
| View project pipeline | Click “Pipeline” in sidebar |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Contact Workspaces: Click any contact name to see their entire history — every project, email, payment, and file in one master view.
- Smart Files: Combine proposals, contracts, and invoices into one interactive document. Clients handle everything in a single step instead of three.
- Free File Transformation: HoneyBook’s team will convert your existing files into dynamic smart templates at no cost when you sign up.
HoneyBook Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Sending Contracts and Invoices Separately
❌ Wrong: Sending the contract first, waiting for a signature, then sending a separate invoice later.
✅ Right: Bundle both into one Smart File so clients sign and pay in a single step.
Mistake #2: Not Setting Up Automations Early
❌ Wrong: Manually replying to every new inquiry and sending follow-ups by hand.
✅ Right: Create a “New Inquiry” automation on day one so leads get an instant response.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Brand Setup
❌ Wrong: Sending proposals and invoices with default HoneyBook branding and no logo.
✅ Right: Upload your logo, brand colors, and fonts in Company Settings before sending anything to clients.
HoneyBook Troubleshooting
Problem: Emails Not Syncing
Cause: Your Gmail or Outlook integration may have disconnected after a password change.
Fix: Go to Settings → Integrations → Disconnect and reconnect your email account.
Problem: Client Can’t Open Invoice or Contract
Cause: The client’s email provider may be blocking the HoneyBook link.
Fix: Ask the client to check spam, or resend the file using a direct share link instead.
Problem: Payment Not Depositing to Bank
Cause: Bank verification may be incomplete or your account details have changed.
Fix: Go to Settings → Payments → Verify your bank account details are current and correct.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact HoneyBook support.
What is HoneyBook?
HoneyBook is a client management tool that handles proposals, contracts, invoices, scheduling, and payments in one place.
Think of it like a virtual assistant that handles all your client paperwork.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Automation: Send emails, files, and task reminders on autopilot
- Online Invoices: Bill clients and track payments in real time
- Online Scheduling: Let clients book meetings from a shareable link
- Templates: Save and reuse proposals, contracts, and emails
- Online Contracts: Create, send, and sign contracts digitally
- Online Payment Tool: Accept credit cards and bank transfers
- Business AI: Draft emails and project recaps with AI
- Marketing Services: Capture leads with embeddable contact forms
- HoneyBook Integrations: Connect QuickBooks, Zapier, Google Calendar, and more
For a full review, see our HoneyBook review.
HoneyBook Pricing
Here’s what HoneyBook costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $29/month | Freelancers and solo business owners getting started |
| Essentials | $49/month | Growing teams that need automations and white-label branding |
| Premium | $109/month | Agencies and teams managing multiple brands |
Free trial: Yes — 7 days, no credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: Yes — 60-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
💰 Best Value: Essentials at $49/month — it unlocks automations, white-label branding, and QuickBooks integration, which most growing businesses need.
HoneyBook vs Alternatives
How does HoneyBook compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
Watch this comparison:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HoneyBook | All-in-one client management for creatives | $29/mo | ⭐ 3.2 |
| GoHighLevel | Marketing agencies and funnels | $97/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Keap | Small business CRM with email automation | $299/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| ActiveCampaign | Email marketing and automation | $15/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| HubSpot | Free CRM with marketing tools | $0/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| ClickFunnels | Sales funnels and landing pages | $81/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Folk | Lightweight team CRM | $17.50/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Instantly | Cold email outreach at scale | $30/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: HoneyBook — best all-in-one tool for freelancers and creatives
- Best budget: HubSpot — free CRM with strong marketing features
- Best for beginners: ClickUp — simple interface with a free plan
- Best for agencies: GoHighLevel — full marketing and funnel suite
🎯 HoneyBook Alternatives
Looking for HoneyBook alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 GoHighLevel: Full marketing suite with funnels, email, SMS, and CRM built for agencies that want everything in one dashboard.
- 💰 Keap: Mature CRM with deep email automation and payment processing, ideal for established small businesses.
- 🎨 ActiveCampaign: Best-in-class email marketing with advanced automation workflows starting at just $15/month.
- ⚡ HubSpot: Free CRM with marketing, sales, and service hubs that scales from startup to enterprise.
- 🔒 ClickFunnels: Sales funnel builder with landing pages, email sequences, and checkout pages for product-based businesses.
- 🧠 Folk: Lightweight CRM with a clean interface, great for small teams that want simple contact management.
- 👶 Instantly: Cold email outreach platform with unlimited accounts, best for sales teams doing high-volume prospecting.
- 🏢 ClickUp: Project management tool with CRM features, free plan available, great for team collaboration.
- 🔧 Monday CRM: Visual CRM with customizable pipelines, starting at $12/user/month for sales-focused teams.
- 🌟 Capsule CRM: Simple CRM with a free plan for up to 250 contacts, perfect for solopreneurs on a budget.
- ⭐ Insightly: CRM with built-in project management, starting at $29/user/month for growing teams.
- 🎯 Freshsales CRM: AI-powered CRM with lead scoring and a free plan, built for sales-driven businesses.
- 💼 Salesforce: Enterprise-grade CRM with the deepest customization and app marketplace in the industry.
- 📊 Zendesk: Customer service platform with ticketing, live chat, and knowledge base tools for support teams.
For the full list, see our HoneyBook alternatives guide.
⚔️ HoneyBook Compared
Here’s how HoneyBook stacks up against each competitor:
- HoneyBook vs GoHighLevel: GoHighLevel wins for agencies needing funnels and SMS, but HoneyBook is simpler for solo creatives managing clients.
- HoneyBook vs Keap: Keap offers deeper automation and e-commerce tools, but costs significantly more at $299/month.
- HoneyBook vs ActiveCampaign: ActiveCampaign dominates email marketing, but HoneyBook adds contracts, invoicing, and scheduling in one place.
- HoneyBook vs HubSpot: HubSpot’s free CRM is hard to beat on price, but HoneyBook offers better invoicing and contract tools for service providers.
- HoneyBook vs ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels focuses on sales funnels and landing pages, while HoneyBook focuses on client management and booking.
- HoneyBook vs Folk: Folk is a lighter CRM for contact management, but HoneyBook includes invoicing, contracts, and payments built in.
- HoneyBook vs Instantly: Instantly is built for cold outreach at scale, while HoneyBook handles the full client journey after the lead comes in.
- HoneyBook vs ClickUp: ClickUp excels at project management for teams, but HoneyBook is purpose-built for client-facing service businesses.
- HoneyBook vs Monday CRM: Monday CRM offers visual pipelines for sales teams, but HoneyBook provides better invoicing and contract tools for creatives.
- HoneyBook vs Capsule CRM: Capsule is simpler and cheaper for basic contact management, but HoneyBook handles end-to-end client booking.
- HoneyBook vs Insightly: Insightly combines CRM with project management, but HoneyBook wins for proposals, scheduling, and payments.
- HoneyBook vs Freshsales CRM: Freshsales has stronger AI lead scoring for sales teams, while HoneyBook serves creative freelancers better.
- HoneyBook vs Salesforce: Salesforce is the enterprise standard with deep customization, but it’s overkill for freelancers and small teams.
- HoneyBook vs Zendesk: Zendesk focuses on customer support ticketing, while HoneyBook handles client booking and project management.
Start Using HoneyBook Now
You learned how to use every major HoneyBook feature:
- ✅ Automation
- ✅ Online Invoices
- ✅ Online Scheduling
- ✅ Templates
- ✅ Online Contracts
- ✅ Online Payment Tool
- ✅ Business AI
- ✅ Marketing Services
- ✅ HoneyBook Integrations
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Automation.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you use HoneyBook for?
HoneyBook is a client management platform for freelancers and small businesses. You use it to send proposals, contracts, and invoices, accept payments, schedule meetings, and automate follow-ups — all from one dashboard.
How do clients pay through HoneyBook?
Clients pay through a secure payment link attached to invoices or Smart Files. They can choose credit card or ACH bank transfer. The money deposits directly into your linked bank account within 2-3 business days.
How much of a fee does HoneyBook take?
HoneyBook charges 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction for credit card payments and 1.5% for ACH bank transfers. These are standard payment processing fees. Premium members processing over $500,000 annually can request discounted rates.
Can I use HoneyBook for free?
HoneyBook offers a 7-day free trial with full access to all features — no credit card needed. After the trial, paid plans start at $29/month. There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions.
Is HoneyBook good for contracts?
Yes, HoneyBook is excellent for contracts. You can create custom contracts from scratch or use templates, add signature fields, and send them for digital signing. You can also upload your own existing contracts and bundle them with invoices in Smart Files.
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