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A holistic systems and process architect, who believes in elevating the creative economy. You’ll find tips, podcasts, and resources on this blog!

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HoneyBook vs. Dubsado: Which CRM is Right for Your Small Business?

When it comes to choosing the best client management platform for your small business, two names often come up: HoneyBook and Dubsado. As someone who’s used HoneyBook extensively and is a HoneyBook Pro, I can confidently say there’s no perfect software. Both platforms are constantly evolving, with developers coding as fast as they can to keep up with the rapid pace of tech. The real question isn’t “which is better?” but rather, “what do you need right now?”

The good news? When comparing feature to feature, HoneyBook and Dubsado offer similar functionalities. The key difference comes down to how you want to navigate and build your processes, as well as factors like company ethics and user experience (UX) design. Let’s break down how each platform stacks up in these areas.

Core Features: HoneyBook vs. Dubsado

Both HoneyBook and Dubsado are designed to help small businesses manage clients, projects, and payments seamlessly. If you’re looking strictly at the list of features—such as invoicing, contract management, and scheduling—you’ll notice that they share many capabilities.

HoneyBook is known for its user-friendly design and intuitive interface. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a straightforward solution to get up and running quickly. The setup is easy, and the platform offers ready-to-use templates that make it simple to create contracts, invoices, and workflows. It feels like a one-stop-shop for everything you need to run a small business.

HoneyBook invoicing

Dubsado, on the other hand, is great for businesses that need a more customizable solution. The platform provides a higher degree of flexibility with advanced workflow automations and customizable form fields, which can be a huge benefit if you have specific needs or complex processes. However, this level of customization can also make Dubsado feel overwhelming for those who prefer simplicity.

Pricing Structure: What You See vs. What You Get

One of the biggest factors for many small business owners is the cost. As a business owner myself, I always aim for efficiency, and that extends to how I manage subscriptions.

With HoneyBook, what you pay for is what you get. There are no hidden fees, and you won’t be caught off guard by additional costs for features. This straightforward pricing model aligns with my value of efficiency, where every detail is considered to keep things as simple and affordable as possible. Plus, I appreciate how HoneyBook frequently listens to user feedback, rolling out updates and new features based on real user experiences. They’re constantly making improvements to the platform, which gives me confidence that the company is committed to evolving along with my needs.

Dubsado, on the other hand, has a different pricing approach. While the base subscription offers a lot, there are add-ons that can increase the cost. For me, it feels like I’m constantly encountering upsells, which adds layers to my decision-making. If you’re someone who values knowing exactly what you’re getting without the extras, HoneyBook may feel like the more streamlined choice.

User Experience: Navigating the Platforms

Let’s talk about user experience, which is crucial when you’re deciding on a CRM. Both HoneyBook and Dubsado have strong offerings, but they approach user experience differently.

HoneyBook’s user experience (UX) is centered on simplicity. The interface is designed to guide you step-by-step, making it easy to complete tasks like sending proposals, scheduling sessions, or setting up automations. There’s less of a learning curve, and it’s ideal for those who may not be tech-savvy but still want to utilize a powerful tool. The UX design is one of the reasons I lean toward HoneyBook—it just works without overwhelming me.

Dubsado’s UX, on the other hand, caters to users who prefer flexibility and don’t mind a little extra effort to customize their experience. If you love tinkering with settings and building out complex workflows, Dubsado’s interface will allow you to dig deeper into customization. While this can be a positive, it may also require more time to master, which can slow you down if you’re in a season where time is your most valuable asset.

Support and Community: Listening to Feedback

One of the reasons I’m such a fan of HoneyBook is how the company listens to its users. HoneyBook is constantly seeking feedback and rolling out updates to make the platform better. As a business owner, I appreciate companies that stay responsive and keep their promises when it comes to evolving the product. It’s like having a partner in your business who’s dedicated to making your experience smoother and your operations more efficient.

Dubsado also has a supportive community and a responsive team, but from my experience, the frequency and nature of the updates don’t match HoneyBook’s. While Dubsado does have a passionate user base that’s willing to help each other out, there’s a difference in how each company approaches product development and customer feedback. With HoneyBook, I feel a stronger sense of forward momentum.

Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business

So, where does that leave us? If you’re torn between HoneyBook and Dubsado, consider what your business needs right now. Ask yourself:

  • Do I need simplicity or customization? If you want to set up quickly and get started without feeling overwhelmed, HoneyBook’s user-friendly interface will likely be a better fit. For those who require advanced customization, Dubsado’s flexibility could be beneficial.
  • How important is predictable pricing to me? If you value knowing exactly what your subscription includes without worrying about extra fees, HoneyBook’s transparent pricing model is a plus.
  • Do I prioritize ease of use or in-depth functionality? Think about whether you want a platform that’s ready to go out of the box (HoneyBook) or if you prefer a platform where you can build out every detail yourself (Dubsado).

At the end of the day, neither platform is perfect—there’s no one-size-fits-all software solution. Both HoneyBook and Dubsado are coding as fast as they can to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of technology. What’s important is choosing a tool that fits your current needs and values, and not overthinking the decision. Pick the platform that aligns with how you work and supports your goals for growth.

Trust the Process and Choose What Works Now

Remember, the best software for your business is the one that meets your needs today. Don’t get caught up in finding the “perfect” platform; instead, choose one that helps you take action now. Whether you opt for HoneyBook or Dubsado, the most important thing is that you continue to move forward and improve your systems as your business evolves.

*Contains affiliate links, but only ever recommend things I genuinely use and love. Promise!*

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