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HoneyBook is a comprehensive client management platform that helps small businesses streamline their operations. It combines the functionality of a CRM with invoicing, contract management, scheduling, and more into one easy-to-use package.
The CRM platform is designed to handle the full client lifecycle, from initial contact through project completion and payment. You can manage all client communication, share files and proposals, get contracts signed, send invoices, and collect payments without leaving HoneyBook.
HoneyBook CRM core capabilities
HoneyBook is an accounting tool with a basic CRM, designed to enhance business operations for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. It offers essential CRM functions like contact management, an intuitive sales pipeline, and automated workflows to reduce manual tasks.
HoneyBook also offers user-friendly contact forms, which effortlessly capture lead information and create new contacts and projects in your pipeline. Plus, it provides tools for important administrative tasks such as invoicing, contracts, and scheduling.
Its interactive smart files let you combine actions like service selection, contracts, and invoicing for a smooth client experience. Automated payment reminders help ensure timely payments. You can create professional invoices, set custom payment plans, and collect payments online through credit card or bank transfer—all within HoneyBook.
Legally vetted contract templates are customizable with project details, pricing, and e-signature options. Scheduling is managed through a personalized client portal that syncs with your Google or iCloud calendar, preventing double-bookings. All client communications are organized within the relevant project for easy reference.
While not as advanced as specialized solutions, HoneyBook offers basic tools for tracking performance insights. You can monitor key metrics like conversion rates, project value, and payment status. However, I hope that future updates will enhance the reporting functionality with more CRM-specific KPIs.
But, HoneyBook focuses primarily on client projects. It lacks traditional CRM features such as lead scoring, opportunity tracking, territory management, or sales forecasting. However, for service-based businesses, HoneyBook’s workflow is ideal for managing client engagements from start to finish.
I’m also impressed by HoneyBook’s mobile apps for iOS and Android, which provide full functionality for working on the go. You can send invoices, receive payments, and manage projects from anywhere. Desktop users will benefit from Gmail and Calendly integrations.
How easy is HoneyBook CRM to use?
HoneyBook provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get up and running quickly, even for those without prior experience using a CRM. The clean, modern design is simple to navigate, with features logically organized in the left sidebar and settings accessible from the top menu.
To help new users get started, HoneyBook offers a helpful 30-minute Quick Start onboarding session that covers the key areas to focus on for setting up your account. There are also on-demand video courses available with over 50 step-by-step lessons.
I really like how the drag-and-drop pipeline tool makes it a breeze to customize your sales stages and client flow. You can easily create custom contact fields, email templates, questionnaires and contracts to streamline your processes. The visual pipeline view provides a great snapshot of where each lead/client is at.
HoneyBook also provides strong accessibility options, including a high contrast mode and the ability to navigate most of the interface using just a keyboard. The forms and client portal are mobile-responsive and look great on smaller screens.
While the breadth of features may seem overwhelming at first, most users report feeling comfortable with the core functionality after just a few hours of exploring and watching tutorials. The average time to get fully up and running seems to be around 2-4 weeks, factoring in time to thoughtfully configure your account, import data, and test your workflows.
Overall, HoneyBook is one of the most user-friendly CRM options I’ve come across for small businesses and freelancers. The modern design, strong customization options, and well-produced help resources make it accessible to a wide range of tech comfort levels. While it may take a few weeks to fully optimize your account, the core features can be learned in a matter of days, enabling you to start seeing the benefits quickly.
HoneyBook CRM integrations
When it comes to integrations, HoneyBook offers a solid set of capabilities that allow it to connect with the other tools small businesses rely on.
The CRM provides several pre-built integrations out of the box, including ones for QuickBooks accounting, Gmail for email, Calendly for scheduling, Facebook, and the popular automation platform Zapier. These native integrations make it easy to sync data and automate workflows between HoneyBook and these key external systems.
For custom integrations, HoneyBook also provides a full-fledged API. Developers can use the API to build integrations that allow reading and writing data between HoneyBook and virtually any other application. The company provides comprehensive API documentation and code samples to help with the integration process.
In testing out some of HoneyBook’s built-in integrations, I found the data syncing between apps to be fast and reliable overall. Connecting a new app is also a straightforward process from the integrations settings page.
One potential downside is that, while HoneyBook offers a Zapier integration, it does not appear to directly integrate with some other popular iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) vendors like Make. However, Zapier alone enables support for thousands of integrations.
HoneyBook also provides some nice features to make managing integrations easier for non-technical users. The ability to retrieve your API key and manage 3rd-party app connections from the integrations dashboard is convenient.
Overall, HoneyBook covers the bases well in terms of supporting integrations. The combination of key direct app integrations, Zapier support, and a full API provides ample options for connecting data and workflows with external tools. While a few more iPaaS integrations would be nice to see, HoneyBook still offers solid capabilities for most small business integration needs.
How good is HoneyBook CRM support?
When it comes to customer support, HoneyBook has received mixed reviews.
The company offers live chat and email support channels, but does not provide phone support, which some customers find frustrating. Response times can vary, with some users reporting prompt and helpful replies while others have experienced delays of hours or even days to hear back, especially on weekends.
On the plus side, many users praise the friendliness and attentiveness of HoneyBook’s support team when they are able to connect. The live chat tends to be the quickest way to get answers. I also found out that HoneyBook provides a fairly robust library of self-service resources, including a searchable knowledge base, tutorials, and webinars to help users troubleshoot issues on their own.
However, the quality and consistency of live support seem to be hit or miss. In my research, I came across a number of complaints about “pass-the-buck” responses and difficulty getting timely help with urgent problems. One reviewer even called it the “worst customer experience ever.” Yet others rave about how HoneyBook’s excellent support has made their lives easier.
Overall, HoneyBook appears to be working to provide solid customer service, with a capable and caring support staff. But the lack of live phone support and inconsistent response times are definite drawbacks compared to some other CRMs. The company could improve by expanding real-time support options and ensuring more reliable follow-up.
For many satisfied HoneyBook users, the support is good enough, and the product’s benefits outweigh any frustrations. But if reliable and always-available customer service is a top priority for your business, it’s worth carefully evaluating the support limitations before committing to the platform.
HoneyBook CRM pricing and plans
|
Plan |
Starter |
Essentials |
Premium |
|
Price |
$19/user/month |
$39/user/month |
$79/user/month |
|
Best For |
New businesses, low client volume |
Growing businesses, increased efficiency |
Established businesses, advanced needs |
|
Features |
Unlimited clients/projects Invoicing and payments Basic reporting |
All features from Starter plan Automations Scheduling tool |
All features from Essentials plan Priority support Advanced reporting |
|
Limitations |
No automations or scheduling tool |
Limited reporting capabilities |
May be costly for very small businesses |
HoneyBook offers three main pricing plans to fit the needs and budget of different types of businesses. The Starter plan at $16 per month, billed annually, provides the core CRM features like unlimited clients and projects, invoicing, contracts, and a client portal. This is a great entry-level option for solopreneurs just getting started with a CRM system.
For growing businesses that need more advanced features, the Essentials plan at $32 per month (billed annually) adds a lot of valuable capabilities. Automated workflows, scheduling, QuickBooks integration, and support for up to 2 team members can really streamline operations. Plus you can remove HoneyBook branding and access more robust reporting.
Larger teams will appreciate the Premium plan at $66 per month annually. It supports unlimited team members for collaboration and includes priority support, the ability to manage multiple company accounts, an onboarding specialist, and advanced reporting features.
You can start with a 7-day free trial to test out if the platform is a good fit before committing. While this is still less than the industry standard, having a free trial at all is a welcome feature that new users will appreciate.
Across all plans, you’ll pay less on a monthly basis by choosing annual billing, which effectively gets you two months free compared to the month-to-month prices. Keep in mind the listed prices don’t include applicable sales tax. But overall, HoneyBook’s pricing is very competitive and transparent, without a lot of confusing add-ons or upcharges that some other vendors tack on.
My take is that HoneyBook provides a lot of value for the cost, especially for small businesses and self-employed professionals looking for an intuitive all-in-one system to manage their clients and business. While it may lack some of the deeper customization of pricier CRMs, the thoughtful feature set and interface you get for the price make it a compelling option in my book.
HoneyBook CRM review: Final verdict
After thoroughly evaluating HoneyBook, I’ve found it to be an excellent all-in-one CRM solution for small service-based businesses, freelancers, and independent professionals. The platform shines in its ability to streamline the entire client lifecycle, from initial contact to invoicing and payment.
HoneyBook’s intuitive interface and robust feature set make it accessible to entrepreneurs and small teams without extensive technical expertise. The visual sales pipeline, customizable contact forms, and automated workflows allow users to efficiently manage and track all of their projects and client communication in one centralized hub.
I’m particularly impressed with HoneyBook’s seamless integration of invoicing, contracts, and scheduling tools alongside traditional CRM functionality. The ability to handle essential administrative tasks like securing signatures and collecting payments without leaving the platform is a major benefit for busy small business owners and freelancers.
While larger enterprises with complex sales cycles may require more advanced CRM capabilities, HoneyBook is perfectly suited for small service providers looking for an affordable, user-friendly system to nurture leads and manage client engagements from start to finish.
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ritoban@nutgraf.agency (Ritoban Mukherjee)
