Running a business comes with approximately one million things to manage clients, emails, invoices, contracts, scheduling, finances… and somehow, we’re also supposed to have a life? *HoneyBook has entered the chat*
I knew I needed a CRM (Client Relationship Management) platform that would actually make my business run smoother, not add another headache. So I did what any determined business owner would do: I went on a quest as a 15 year old determined to show people that I could do this.
I dabbled in Dubsado (it was fine, but not my vibe). Dubsado left me confused af, with things being hard to find. I attempted a Notion + QuickBooks Frankenstein setup (a mistake I won’t repeat). No hate on the two just wasnt what I wanted.
But nothing checked all the boxes like HoneyBook.
It’s easy, it’s all-in-one, and they keep rolling out features that make life easier. Let’s talk about the HoneyBook tools I’m obsessed with and why they’ve made running my business so much better.
Why care about my opinion
Honestly, I’m not the end all be all with this but after 10 years of being with HoneyBook I have to say I will eb there antoher 10. I have used HoneyBook as a phtographer, coach, and now as a designer It has adapted and grown with me so much over the years.
Yes, they did just increase their pricing. But, those who are mad about it probably aren’t using it to it’s fullest and can’t justify that cost. On the otherhand, the rest of us are like go ahead if this increase allows us to have more updates and features I AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE.
Sooo let’s dive into my favorite features shall we…
1. Automations That Handle the “Ugh” Work for Me
If you’ve ever thought, “Why does running a business feel like 75% admin work and 25% actually doing what I love?”-same. That’s where HoneyBook automations come in. If you’re not using them…it’s time to start!
This feature lets me set things up once and let them run on autopilot. So instead of me manually sending follow-ups, invoices, and reminders, HoneyBook does it for me. Ahh doesn’t that thought just make you feel like this… ↓
Here’s what I’ve in my business so far:
- Welcome emails as soon as a client inquires (so they’re not left hanging)- but I’m also like hey this is just confirmation a robot sent this, be with you ASAP.
- Invoices that go out when a project reaches a certain stage (no awkward “Hey, you forgot to pay me” emails) Because girl’s gotta get paid.
- Follow-ups that send without me remembering (because let’s be honest, I won’t)
I get to spend way less time on admin work and more time doing what actually matters. Like serving my clients and, you know, actually enjoying my business.
2. Integrations That Keep Everything in One Place
If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s jumping between 15 different platforms just to manage one project. I already have a bajillion tabs open… we really don’t need to add to it. HoneyBook integrates with all the tools I already use, so I don’t have to waste time connecting the dots… manually.
Here’s what I’ve linked up:
- Google Calendar – So clients can book meetings without the back-and-forth emails
- Canva – Because branding matters, even in proposals
- Zoom – No more manually sending meeting links (thank goodness)
- Slack – For when I need to keep my team in the loop
Everything flows together seamlessly, which means I don’t have to think about it. And if there’s anything I love, it’s a business system that works without me micromanaging it.
3. The AI Note Taker That Saves My Brain
If there’s one thing I cannot do, it’s talk and take notes at the same time. I really just kills the vibe when I’m like hahah wait hold up let me write that down. SOO, HoneyBook’s AI note taker has been a lifesaver because instead I can yap and lil miss note taker does this:
- Joins my client calls like a silent, helpful assistant
- Summarizes everything we talked about
- Lists out action items so I don’t forget what I need to do
Before this, my “system” was either scribbling half-legible notes while multitasking or telling myself I’d rewatch the meeting later (spoiler: I never did).
Now? I hop off a call, read my AI-generated summary, and actually know what’s next without scrambling. If you take a lot of client calls, this will change your life.
4. The Finance Dashboard That Made Me Ditch QuickBooks
A goal I had this year was to condense my tech stack, and the first to go was good ole QuickBooks. No,w some love it for the mile tracking, expense trakcing made easy. BUT I decided I really didn’t need it and tbh I was getting annoyed with my monthly randomly going from $12 to $26 with no explaination. So buh bye. I did love seeing the numbers in there, so when HoneyBook made the finace overview update it was so great! Giving me an actual snapshot of how my business is doing without me needing to piece together numbers from different platforms.
My favorite parts are:
- Full financial overview – So I know how much money is coming in and going out without digging through spreadsheets- YAY
- The Tax Hub – This year, I literally uploaded my tax docs, sent them to my CPA, and was DONE gooddbyye tax season anxiety
- Manual expense tracking – I even canceled QuickBooks because HoneyBook now handles everything I need
Having everything in one place makes tax season (and everyday money management) so much less overwhelming.
Why I’ll Never Run My Business Without HoneyBook
Finding the right systems for your business is so important. If you’re on the fence just know that the most important thing is saving your sanity, and HoneyBook can do just that.
If you’ve been thinking about switching to a CRM that actually works, I can’t recommend HoneyBook enough.
Have questions about how I use it? Thinking about making the switch? Let’s chat!
I even have a HoneyBook package dedicated to setting it alll up for you so you got one less headache and one more cha ching paid invoice! Click here to learn more
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