After years of trying to balance client meetings, endless invoices, and follow-ups, finding the right tool felt like an endless search.
HoneyBook caught my eye as a platform promising to do it all in one place. Curious, I took the plunge, diving into its features to see if it could genuinely lighten the load.
Now, after using it extensively, I’ve got a few insights to share. From its automation perks to the quirks that might hold it back, here’s the inside scoop on how HoneyBook performs when it’s put to the test in a real-world, small-business setting.
What is HoneyBook?
HoneyBook is a business management platform designed for freelancers and small businesses. It helps you manage tasks like invoicing, contracts, scheduling, and payments in one place. Everything is centralized, making it easier to stay organized.
One of its key features is automation. This allows you to automate tasks like follow-ups, reminders, and payment schedules. You can save hours each week by cutting down on manual tasks.
HoneyBook provides templates for proposals, contracts, and invoices, all customizable to match your brand, ensuring consistent client communication.
The platform’s built-in payment processing keeps transactions organized, while detailed reporting tools offer clear insights into your finances. Together, these features create a streamlined, professional experience for both you and your clients.
HoneyBook Review: The Key Features
HoneyBook offers a range of powerful features designed to simplify business operations and save you time. Let’s explore the key tools that make it an essential platform for freelancers and small businesses alike.
Client Management
HoneyBook simplifies client management by providing tools to:
- Store and manage client profiles with details such as contact information and payment preferences.
- Link projects, invoices, and contracts to each client for better organization.
- Track communication history to keep interactions consistent and professional.
- Create a branded client portal where clients can review documents, pay invoices, and communicate.
Project Management
HoneyBook gives you a complete look at projects, active leads, meetings, proposals, etc in Projects:
- Tools to manage tasks, deadlines, and projects in one centralized hub.
- Automatic project tracking to help keep tabs on all client projects.
- Set milestones and deadlines to keep projects on track and ensure timely delivery.
Automation
Automation is one of HoneyBook’s most powerful features. With automation, you can:
- Set up workflows to automate tasks, follow-ups, reminders, and email sequences.
- Integrate files seamlessly to keep essential documents organized and accessible.
- Streamline invoicing, payment reminders, and project pipelines to reduce manual work.
Invoicing and Payments
With HoneyBook, you can simplify invoicing and payments:
- Create professional invoices and accept payments via credit cards or ACH transfers directly within the platform.
- Offer recurring payment options for long-term clients or retainers to simplify billing.
- Track payment statuses in real time and send automatic reminders for overdue invoices.
Proposals and Contracts
HoneyBook allows you to create all-in-one proposals that include:
- Customizable templates for proposals and contracts
- E-signature functionality to streamline contract approvals.
- Bundle proposals and payment requests into a single document to streamline client transactions.
Scheduler
The built-in scheduler allows you to:
- Share availability and schedule meetings directly with clients.
- Sync with external calendars, such as Google Calendar, to avoid conflicts.
- Customize time slots and buffer periods for breaks between appointments to ensure seamless scheduling.
Expense Management
You can manage and track your expenses with HoneyBook:
- Categorize expenses directly linked to specific client projects.
- Access profit and loss reports to monitor your expenses over time.
- Integrate with accounting software for streamlined expense organization
- management.
Client Portal
HoneyBook offers a fully customizable client portal that enables:
- Clients to log in, view project updates, approve tasks, and securely pay invoices.
- Branding options that allow you to customize the portal with your business colors and logo.
- Centralized communication, so clients can easily contact you within the portal.
Time Tracking
HoneyBook includes built-in time tracking that allows you to:
- Log hours worked on projects.
- Generate detailed time reports to streamline client billing.
- Link tracked time directly to client invoices for accurate billing.
Team Collaboration
If you work with a team, HoneyBook facilitates collaboration by:
- Offering customizable access levels and permissions for team members.
- Sharing access to projects and tasks, allowing seamless collaboration across the team.
- Track individual contributions and manage team workloads effectively.
How to Sign Up and Use HoneyBook
Getting started with HoneyBook is simple and intuitive, allowing you to manage your business seamlessly from day one. Let’s explore how you can quickly set up and start using its features to streamline your workflow.
Step 1: Register and Personalize Your Account
Visit HoneyBook’s site and click ‘Get Started.’ Provide your business details, including name, email, and industry.
Then, add your branding by uploading a logo, choosing brand colors, and linking your bank account for seamless payment processing.
Step 2: Import Your Client Contacts
Under ‘Contacts,’ bring in client details from previous systems or add them manually. This centralizes all client data, making communication and project management smoother.
Step 3: Create a New Project
In the ‘Projects’ tab, select ‘New Project,’ entering relevant details like project type and due date. Attach files, assign team members, and leave notes to keep all information organized.
Step 4: Set Up Templates and Pricing
Go to ‘Templates’ to build custom contracts, proposals, and pricing guides that reflect your service rates, whether hourly, flat or per project.
Step 5: Connect Your Bank Account
Enter your business and banking details so you can start receiving payments directly through HoneyBook. You can also set up instant deposits if you need faster access to your funds, making your payment process seamless.
Step 6: Streamline Proposals, Contracts, and Invoices with Smart Files
In each project, use ‘New File’ to send proposals, contracts, or invoices. HoneyBook’s Smart Files allow for online signing and payment, creating a smooth transaction experience.
Step 7: Centralize Client Communication
Communicate directly with clients through HoneyBook’s built-in email feature, which keeps all conversations saved within each project for easy tracking.
Step 8: Monitor Project Timelines
The Projects section provides an overview of active projects, showing timelines, tasks, and deadlines to help keep everything on track. You can assign tasks to yourself or team members and mark them complete as progress is made.
Step 9: Automate Repetitive Tasks
Use the ‘Automation’ tab to simplify tasks like sending follow-ups or creating reminders. Set actions to trigger when clients complete forms or sign contracts, ensuring workflows run smoothly.
HoneyBook Pricing
HoneyBook offers flexible pricing plans designed to fit the needs of freelancers and small businesses. Let’s break down the available options and help you decide which plan suits your business best.
HoneyBook Starter Plan
The Starter Plan is HoneyBook’s entry-level option, ideal for freelancers or solopreneurs looking to streamline their basic business operations.
- Monthly Cost: $19/month
- Annual Cost: $16/month
This plan includes unlimited clients and projects, invoicing, contracts, and a branded client portal. You also get access to professional templates and basic reports, making it perfect for getting started with essential tools.
HoneyBook Essentials Plan
The Essentials Plan is suited for small businesses that need more customization and automation.
- Monthly Cost: $39/month
- Annual Cost: $32/month
In addition to the Starter features, this plan includes automation, QuickBooks Online integration, and expense management. You can also remove the “Powered by HoneyBook” branding.
HoneyBook Premium Plan
The Premium Plan is designed for growing teams and businesses that require advanced tools.
- Monthly Cost: $79/month
- Annual Cost: $66/month
This plan offers everything in the Essentials Plan, plus unlimited team members, priority support, and multiple company management. It’s ideal for scaling your operations with advanced reporting tools and team collaboration features.
Further Read: HoneyBook pricing
Why Should You Get HoneyBook?
HoneyBook isn’t just another tool—it makes running your business easier. Here’s why it’s worth your time.
Smooth Client Management
Managing clients across emails, spreadsheets, and contracts can be frustrating. With HoneyBook, everything is in one place. You can easily set up client profiles, link contracts, and keep track of communication.
No more bouncing between apps. Having everything together helps you stay professional and on top of every project.
Time-Saving Automation
Managing each client interaction manually can be draining. HoneyBook’s automation tools streamline everything from sending initial welcome messages to follow-up reminders and progress updates.
This automation saves hours weekly, helping you keep projects on track and client communication consistent without the repetitive work. These tools can help free up your time and let you focus on high-impact tasks that drive your business forward.
Easy Invoicing and Payment Management
Managing payments doesn’t have to be stressful. HoneyBook makes it easy to create customized invoices and accept payments through credit cards or bank transfers. You’ll love how seamless it is to track payments and keep your finances in order.
Mobile Flexibility
With HoneyBook’s mobile app, you can manage everything on the go. Whether responding to clients, checking project statuses, or sending invoices, you can do it all from your phone. This flexibility is perfect for busy business owners.
Drawbacks of HoneyBook
While HoneyBook offers many benefits, it’s not without its shortcomings. There are several areas where the platform could improve. Let’s explore the most common issues and how they might impact your use of HoneyBook.
Limited Service Catalog Options
While HoneyBook includes a service listing, it doesn’t support multi-package catalogs, making it harder for users to offer grouped services or price ranges. Many users find this feature lacks the flexibility they need.
“I wish I could add more service options in one place.” — Rachel D., President.
Limited Payment Gateway Support
HoneyBook’s payment options are mainly limited to credit cards and bank transfers, frustrating users who need alternative payment methods. Additional payment gateways like PayPal or Wise could better meet client needs.
“An easier way to accept alternative payments would be a huge help.” — Diane S., Owner/Photographer.
No Multi-Workspace
HoneyBook’s single-workspace setup is restrictive for businesses managing multiple brands or departments. Users note the inability to create distinct workspaces within one account as a significant limitation.
“I wish I could operate multiple companies within HoneyBook.” — Alwin, Small Business Owner.
Limited Client Task Requests
HoneyBook lacks a dedicated feature for client task requests, making it challenging for users to manage specific client needs directly within the platform. Users who require a streamlined way for clients to submit tasks often find this limitation cumbersome.
“I’d love a way for clients to submit requests directly.” — David G., Small Business Owner.
Restrictive Team Member Roles
HoneyBook’s roles are limited, which restricts flexibility for businesses with larger teams. Many users feel that more customizable roles or permissions would better accommodate various team structures.
“It would be helpful to assign more specific roles and access levels.” — Fero M., Marketing Strategist.
User Experience of HoneyBook
The user experience of HoneyBook is generally positive, with many praising its ease of use and professional features, though some areas could use improvement. Let’s take a closer look at what real users are saying about their experience with the platform.
Ease of Use
HoneyBook is widely praised for its user-friendly design, making navigation simple for all levels. Many users highlight how quickly they can handle tasks, from sending invoices to finalizing contracts, without much of a learning curve.
However, some find the initial setup a bit overwhelming, especially when customizing templates and workflows.
“I love how easy it is to manage a client throughout their entire project, but setting up the initial workflows took some time.” — Katie D., Small Business Owner.
Professional Client Experience
HoneyBook elevates client interactions, with users noting how professional contracts, proposals, and invoices look on the platform. The polished experience, from digital signatures to payment processing, helps build a positive business image.
“I love that contracts are included, and the process is seamless and professional for my clients.” — Rachel D., President.
Customization Frustrations
Though HoneyBook offers customization options, some users find them restrictive, especially when personalizing document layouts or adding images. This can be a drawback for businesses needing advanced options to represent their brand.
“I wish customization was better; it’s difficult to make my documents look the way I want.” — Katie D., Small Business Owner.
Payment Processing Delays
A few users report occasional delays in HoneyBook’s payment processing, with some payments taking longer than expected. These delays can be inconvenient for businesses that rely on fast cash flow.
“Sometimes the payment processing would take longer than expected, which was frustrating, especially when I had deadlines to meet.” — Pritam M., Graphics Designer.
HoneyBook Support System for Users
HoneyBook provides a robust support system to ensure customers receive help when needed. Whether you’re just starting or require ongoing assistance, HoneyBook offers multiple ways to access support.
- Personalized Support: HoneyBook provides 7-day-a-week personalized support, allowing you to reach out via email or through their platform.
- HoneyBook Pros: For more advanced assistance, you can hire a HoneyBook Pro, a trusted expert who offers personalized help with setup, template design, and workflow optimization.
- Free File Transformation Service: HoneyBook’s free file transformation service assists new members by transferring existing contracts, pricing, and questionnaires into their accounts.
- Help Center and Tutorials: HoneyBook’s online Help Center and video tutorials provide self-guided support. This library of resources covers everything from setting up automation to integrating email.
- Community Support: The HoneyBook Community connects you with other users for advice, troubleshooting, and shared experiences. It’s a great resource for getting real-world insights and solutions from users.
- Priority Support for Premium Users: HoneyBook’s Premium plan members enjoy priority support, ensuring that more complex queries are handled quickly.
HoneyBook Reviews on Reddit: What Do Redditors Say About It?
HoneyBook has sparked many discussions across Reddit, where users have shared their firsthand experiences.
Emails Going to Spam
Several users noted that emails sent through HoneyBook frequently end up in clients’ spam folders. This has caused significant disruption, as clients either fail to receive important documents or find it difficult to locate them.
The need to contact clients individually to ask them to check their spam folders creates more manual work, which defeats the purpose of using a CRM for streamlining communication.
Slow Payment Processing
Another common complaint is the slow payment processing time, with funds taking 4-6 days to arrive in users’ bank accounts. While some users have noted that HoneyBook offers instant deposits, these often require approval and come with additional fees.
This delay can be particularly frustrating for businesses that rely on quick cash flow for day-to-day operations.
Limited Control Over Operations
Another key issue raised is the lack of control over specific operational workflows. A user mentioned that HoneyBook doesn’t allow them to prevent clients from proceeding with payments before all signatures are completed on contracts.
This lack of flexibility creates inefficiencies in managing client processes, especially when you want to ensure all steps are properly completed before payments are made
Our Review: What Do We Think About HoneyBook?
HoneyBook brings organization and simplicity to business management.
The contract and proposal templates add a professional touch, which clients genuinely appreciate. With quick customization options, each document feels tailored to the project at hand.
We found HoneyBook’s automation tools particularly useful for managing time and repetitive tasks. Setting up workflows for follow-ups, invoice reminders, and onboarding keeps everything running efficiently. Without the need for constant oversight, the automation delivers consistency and a smoother client experience.
In terms of payments, HoneyBook simplifies the process. Accepting online payments directly through the platform is straightforward, and the real-time tracking helps us monitor what’s been paid and what’s outstanding.
Although there can be slight delays in deposits, the all-in-one dashboard keeps finances easy to manage.
Client management also shines with HoneyBook, bringing together client data, projects, and communication in one platform. Managing multiple projects no longer feels overwhelming, and tracking each client interaction is as streamlined as it is accessible.
Overall, HoneyBook’s approach to service-based businesses is efficient and comprehensive.
While the occasional payment delay may affect some, the automation, professional templates, and centralization of client data make it an invaluable tool for keeping operations smooth and client-focused.
Top 3 Alternatives to HoneyBook You Should Look At
Now that we’ve covered everything about HoneyBook, the good and the bad, it’s time to see if it fits your business needs.
If not, don’t worry—we’ve researched the best HoneyBook alternatives for you. Let’s dive into the top options based on key features!
| Features | HoneyBook | Agency Handy | Service Provider Pro | ManyRequest |
| Starter Price | $16/month | $49/month | $99/month | $79/month |
| Service Catalog | Basic service listings | Multi-package service catalog | Integrated service options | Service catalog with sign-up pages |
| Role-Based Access | 3 roles (Admin, Manager, Collaborator) | 4 roles (Super Admin, Admin, Manager, Teammate) | 5 roles (Admin, Specialist, Account Manager, Customizable) | 3 roles (Admin, Manager, Contributor) |
| Client Onboarding Tools | Custom onboarding forms | Custom intake and order forms | Customizable intake forms | Intake forms |
| Payment Gateways | Stripe, credit card payments | Stripe, PayPal, Wise, Manual Banking | PayPal, Stripe | Stripe, PayPal |
| Proposals | Cloud-based proposals | Customized proposals | Proposal templates | Proposal templates |
When choosing the right client management platform, understanding the nuances of each tool is key. Let’s break down how HoneyBook, Agency Handy, Service Provider Pro, and ManyRequest stack up in features tailored to agency needs.
Agency Handy vs HoneyBook
When looking at Agency Handy and HoneyBook, you’ll find that each serves different needs. HoneyBook is great for simplifying tasks, which suits smaller businesses and freelancers.
But if you’re part of a larger team or an agency with complex workflows, you may find HoneyBook’s features limited. This is where Agency Handy steps in, offering more advanced tools for handling detailed workflows.
One area where HoneyBook falls short is order management. While it provides basic task and project tracking, it lacks the specific order-tracking features that many agencies rely on.
Alt: HoneyBook Task
Agency Handy, however, includes task-specific tracking and Kanban boards to help teams follow projects smoothly, especially when managing complex tasks.
Client onboarding also highlights a big difference. HoneyBook’s intake forms are basic, collecting only essential information.
On the other hand, Agency Handy’s forms allow for full customization, so you can gather important details right from the start, avoiding repetitive follow-ups.
You can even create order forms to suggest add-ons, making upsells straightforward and increasing sales potential—all while keeping the process automated and efficient.
In terms of invoices, HoneyBook simplifies invoicing but has fewer options, while Agency Handy supports multiple payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Wise. It even allows split payments and automates reminders, ensuring a smoother transaction process.
For larger teams, HoneyBook’s role-based access may feel restrictive.
In contrast, Agency Handy’s granular permission settings give you more control over who does what, making it ideal for agencies with varied roles and complex needs.
This flexibility, combined with its advanced workflow management, positions Agency Handy as a stronger choice for digital agencies seeking a scalable and versatile platform.
Further Read: Agency Handy vs HoneyBook
Service Provider Pro vs HoneyBook
In comparing Service Provider Pro (SPP) and HoneyBook, their core strengths serve distinct needs.
SPP is built for digital marketing and SEO agencies, emphasizing order management, subscription billing, and team workflows.
HoneyBook, on the other hand, focuses on providing an intuitive client management experience from onboarding to payment, making it ideal for freelancers and small businesses.
SPP’s order management system allows users to customize intake forms, manage subscription upgrades, and track order statuses, features that are lacking in HoneyBook.
In contrast, HoneyBook offers simpler project management with built-in tools for managing client tasks, suited for more straightforward workflows.
For payment processing, both platforms are equipped, but SPP provides more flexibility with integrated options like PayPal, Stripe, and even custom gateways, supporting advanced billing structures.
HoneyBook’s payment system is user-friendly but limited to credit cards and bank transfers, fitting businesses with simpler payment needs.
In terms of team collaboration, SPP’s role-based access lets agencies assign permissions, manage account managers, and set order-specific roles, which is valuable for teams.
HoneyBook’s role-based access is more basic, designed to manage projects and client interactions for smaller teams or solo users.
Overall, SPP suits agencies needing structured order and client management with extensive customization, while HoneyBook shines for those focused on enhancing client experiences in a more streamlined, less complex environment.
Note: Explore our complete Service Provider pro guide for features and pricing details.
ManyRequests vs HoneyBook
When comparing ManyRequest and HoneyBook, the distinction lies in their approach to managing client operations.
ManyRequest is built for creative and web agencies, offering comprehensive project tracking, client portals, and advanced service catalogs.
While HoneyBook is designed for freelancers and service-based businesses, focusing on streamlined client management from onboarding to payment.
ManyRequest’s client portal includes a detailed service catalog and sign-up pages, allowing clients to browse services, make purchases, and view project progress.
HoneyBook, meanwhile, emphasizes simplicity with basic intake forms and client communication tools, making it a better fit for businesses with straightforward service offerings.
In terms of billing, ManyRequest supports flexible payment options with recurring billing, upsells, and checkout forms for easy client transactions.
HoneyBook offers a user-friendly invoicing system with built-in payment processing but lacks the flexibility and advanced billing features found in ManyRequest.
Role-based access is another area where ManyRequest shines. It allows teams to assign roles like account managers and task specialists, ideal for agencies managing multiple contributors on a project.
HoneyBook’s roles are more limited, catering to smaller teams where extensive role differentiation isn’t as crucial.
Ultimately, ManyRequest is ideal for agencies needing an all-in-one solution for complex client management, while HoneyBook provides an accessible platform for freelancers focused on enhancing client experience with less complexity.
Note: Explore our full ManyRequest guide for detailed features and pricing.
Conclusion
HoneyBook is a practical, all-in-one solution that makes business management easier for freelancers and small businesses. Its client management, project tracking, and invoicing tools create a seamless, user-friendly experience that simplifies daily operations.
While HoneyBook stands out for its automation and straightforward interface, it does have some limitations, such as limited customization and slower payment processing, which might affect certain users.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded tool to handle client interactions, HoneyBook is a solid choice. However, for users with more specialized needs—particularly larger teams or agencies—platforms like Agency Handy provide additional features that may be a better fit.
FAQs
Can HoneyBook integrate with my existing accounting software?
Yes, HoneyBook integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, allowing users to sync invoices, payments, and financial data. This integration simplifies accounting tasks by automatically transferring data between the two platforms. You’ll be able to maintain accurate financial records without manual entry.
Does HoneyBook offer a free trial for new users?
Yes, HoneyBook provides a 7-day free trial for new users to explore its features. During the trial, you’ll have full access to tools like client management, invoicing, and automation. This allows you to test whether the platform suits your business needs before making a commitment.
How secure is client data on HoneyBook?
HoneyBook prioritizes security by using encryption to protect client data and ensure secure payment processing. It also follows industry-standard practices to safeguard sensitive information from breaches. You can trust that your business and client information is securely stored on the platform.
