When you’re searching for business management software for your small business, you might have come across HoneyBook as a popular option.
The key functionality that small businesses typically seek in client relationship management (CRM) software is the automation of repetitive tasks. That can include the ability to automate online payments, billing, simplify booking and scheduling, calendar sync, and easy client management and communication.
Ultimately, you want a tool that is simple and easy for your clients to interact with, while making you look as professional as possible.
HoneyBook is one of many apps out there that tries to do this. We’ll be going over a few alternative platforms in this article that can help increase the productivity of your business operations.
What to Look for in CRM Software?
Before we dive into the alternative platforms, it’s important to know what to look for in a CRM that’ll best support you in your business. Here are some of the key features to look for when evaluating different HoneyBook alternatives:
Price
If money isn’t an issue, then your options expand exponentially. But, if you’re like most entrepreneurs and small business owners, you’ll most likely need to find a CRM that fits within your budget. Figure out a budget you can set aside and dedicate to this software before you start window shopping. You’ll want to compare a few software as some platforms may or may not come with certain features you’ll need. And in most cases, plans tend to increase the more advanced features are included—like customization, automated tasks, and specific app integration.
Take advantage of free trials (or free plans if they’re offered) before signing up. This will provide you with some hands-on experience using the platform before making the commitment. Many CRM software allows you to subscribe and pay on a monthly or annual basis, with discounted rates if you choose to pay annually. You may even qualify for extended free trials depending on your business and its size.
Workflow automation
Task management should be a non-negotiable feature no matter what CRM software you choose. You’re trying to streamline your workflow, after all, and having these tools in one place can impact how you run your business. These tools often include automated invoicing and payments, appointment reminders, and follow-up messages. Automatic record sharing and data sync may also be part of automated workflow, and depending on your business you may need that type of feature. Oftentimes CRM software also provides users with intake forms, proposals, or contact templates to send to clients. The more advanced features allow you to customize these forms, such as including your logo or branding elements.
Custom Features
Aside from workflow automation, some business owners need additional features to better support their business and help them grow. Project management tools should also benefit the clients, too. Do you require private client portals? Are you interested in marketing automation? Do you need specific app integration for platforms such as Zoom, Calendly, or Quickbooks online? Will you want a custom website that’s built-in to the platform? Be sure to go through each platform's specific features list to ensure the platform will serve you and your needs.
Customer service
In case you need help with a platform issue or want assistance from an experienced team member, you want to be sure you’ll have access to customer support. Most platforms have a customer service team you can reach through phone, email, or live chat. Depending on the company, users may also have the opportunity to meet with a team member for a one-on-one session or participate in classes to learn more about the product. You also want to know you’ll have access to digital Help Centers with additional support and resources in case you need help outside of business hours.
Payment Gateways
Wondering what a payment gateway is? Essentially it’s a payment processing method to accept debit, credit card payments, or ACH bank payments for both in-person and online businesses. For in-person transactions, you’ll often see digital card readers that act as payment processors. Online, you’ll have the option to pay with debit or credit cards, make a bank payment, or pay through a third party like PayPal. Some CRM platforms offer limited options for clients to make their payments. If you need a specific payment gateway—such as Stripe or Square—be sure that platform allows that type of payment before you sign up.
6 HoneyBook Alternatives
1. Practice
Yes, we’re nominating our own platform, but for good reason. We’ve created a client management software designed for service-based businesses, like coaches, consultants, and freelancers. Like HoneyBook, users can streamline invoicing, scheduling, contract templates, forms, and more. Unlike Honeybook, Practice helps businesses track packages and reconcile their sessions — automatically, and across any sized team.
Pros:
- Unique client portal to communicate directly with clients
- Companion mobile app for both users and clients.
- Unlimited data storage
- Many scheduling options — round robin, one-on-one, etc.
- Share client records, documents, and forms
- Unmatched customer service team. (Seriously, people even write reviews about it.)
Cons:
- Currently only integrates with Google Calendar, Gmail, Zoom, Google Meet, and Stripe.
Pricing:
- Offers a 7-day free trial
- Basic Plan: $5 per month
- Pro Plan: $60 per month
- Teams Plan: $99 per month
2. Dubsado
Dubsado is similar to HoneyBook in that it’s an all-in-one project-based CRM great for small business owners, like freelancers, doulas, and virtual assistants. Users can automate invoices, book appointments, and create a variety of client forms—questionnaires, proposals, contracts, and intake forms. You’ll also be able to contact the Dubsado customer support team 7 days a week, plus schedule a call (via phone or screen sharing) with a team member Monday through Friday in case you need in-depth assistance.
Pros:
- Use Dubsado with up to 3 clients for free
- Fairly robust automation capabilities
- You can add multiple brands under the same account for an additional monthly fee ($10) and additional team members for an extra fee as well
- Built-in time tracking feature
Cons:
- Client portal features are limited
- The platform is designed around projects instead of clients
- Dubsado doesn’t currently have a mobile app
Pricing:
- Offers an unlimited free trial (up to 3 clients)
- Starter plan: $20 per month
- Premier Plan: $40 per month
Interested in how Dubsado stacks up against HoneyBook? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, so you can read all about our comparison of Dubsado vs. HoneyBook.
3. Paperbell
Paperbell is a CRM specifically designed for coaches. Coaches can facilitate one-on-one coaching sessions with clients or host group coaching right from the platform. There’s also the potential to fully customize landing pages, client plans, and custom packages to allow you to incorporate your branding elements into your design. With Paperbelll, you can try the platform for free, which includes onboarding 1 client. You’ll be given access to more advanced features if you decide to upgrade to the paid plan (like contracts, packages, and file space) as well as unlimited clients.
Pros:
- Free plan allows you to onboard 1 client at no charge
- Create custom landing pages, packages, and services
- You can run a digital storefront for any digital downloads (e-books)
Cons:
- Interface design is bare bones
- Automations are limited to your initial client onboarding
- Currently there is no companion mobile app available
- Some features are specifically designed for coaches and not applicable to other professionals
Pricing:
- Free Plan (1 free onboarded client)
- Paid Plan: $57 per month (unlimited clients)
4. Quenza
Quenza is a CRM software designed for coaches, trainers, mental health professionals, and private healthcare practitioners. Alternatively, group clinics or teams can benefit from using Quenza to aid with staff training. Since Quenza is targeted at specific small businesses, the platform is tailored to provide certain tools, such as patient charts and reports, assessments, and group sessions. You can also design structured programs to further support clients and monitor their progress.
Pros:
- Companion mobile app available
- Create custom assessments, assignments, and activities for clients
- Built-in activities library with templates
- Multi-language capabilities (17 languages)
- HIPAA compliant
Cons:
- Users need to pay for a free trial
- Lack of appointment scheduler functionality
- Automatic language translation isn’t always accurate
- User interface isn’t as intuitive as others
- Quenza doesn’t offer many common integrations
Pricing:
- Offers a 30-day trial for $1
- Lite Plan: $49 per month
- Standard Plan: $89 per month
- Unlimited Plan: $149 per month
5. Bonsai
HelloBonsai, or Bonsai, is another all-in-one solution for small business owners to simplify their administrative tasks. In many ways, Bonsai is an advanced time tracking or project management software with all the necessary CRM features needed to run your business. Standard features include file sharing, customizable proposals and contracts, and invoices. Users get the added benefit of accounting and tax tracking to help them prepare their taxes, like income reporting and estimated tax planning.
Pros:
- Simple interface design
- Personalized templates are professional
- Accounting and tax preparation
- Connect to other platforms and applications via Zapier
Cons:
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Time tracker doesn’t allow detailed project tracking
- Clients must create an account to view projects
Pricing:
- Offers a 7-day free trial
- Starter Plan: $17 per month
- Professional Plan: $32 per month
- Business Plan: $52 per month
6. Podia
Unlike the other alternative platforms on our list, Podia isn’t a CRM that assists with client or project management. Instead, Podia is a digital e-commerce platform. Users can design websites, create and sell digital projects and courses, and host communities from their Podia account. This is especially beneficial for creative entrepreneurs who want to build a following or community while monetizing their products or services.
Pros:
- Offers a Free Plan (with limited features)
- Build a custom website to host your products and services
- Easily list and sell digital products
- Sell online coaching services, webinars, and courses
- Email and affiliate marketing capabilities
Cons:
- Lacks client management you’d find with traditional CRM software
- Currently no companion mobile app
- Unable to sell physical products
- Lack of native scheduling ability
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0 per month
- Mover Plan: $39 per month
- Shaker Plan: $89 per month
7. 17hats
17hats is a business management platform created to automate your daily workflow. As their name indicates, business owners often wear multiple hats and are responsible for every aspect of their business. 17hats has found a solution to automate tasks like scheduling, invoice and payments, even lead capture forms and responses. Users can take advantage of templates for emails, inbound leads, project quotes, and contracts. Keep in mind that this platform is intended for solopreneurs, so larger teams or businesses may find some of the features limiting.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface design
- Provides live demos and workshops for users to join
- App integration for programs like Zoom, Google Calendar, and Quickbooks Online
- Combine the client’s quote, contract, and invoice in one document
Cons:
- Some users find there to be a steep learning curve
- Customer support response time is long
- Customer support is only available through live chat or email
Pricing:
- Offers a 7-day free trial
- Essentials Plan: $13 per month
- Standard Plan: $25 per month
- Premier Plan: $50 per month
8. Plutio
Plutio is an intuitive all-in-one CRM platform that supports freelancers, solopreneurs, as well as small business teams. Like other software, Plutio offers advanced tools to manage project details through automated invoicing, scheduling, proposals and contracts, as well as time tracking. Users especially appreciate the level of customization available within Plutio. You can make use of their templated forms, documents, and drag-and-drop editor to include your own branding and customization.
Pros:
- Extensive library of customizable templates
- Auto-generation capability for repeated tasks
- Kanban-style visual boards for project management
- Supports 25+ languages
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for novice CRM users
- The time tracking feature is only displayed on the project page
- New features aren’t always as fully conceptualized before being rolled out
Pricing:
- Offers a 14-day free trial
- Solo Plan: $19 per month
- Studio Plan: $39 per month
- Agency Plan: $99 per month
9. Suitedash
Wrapping up our list of HoneyBook alternatives is Suitedash, a robust business management platform for small to medium-sized businesses. Users can take advantage of standard functions like invoices and payments, appointment scheduling, and email marketing automation. One of its key features is its white-label customization capabilities. If you’re interested in customizing client portals with branded login pages, custom URLs, and email notifications, Suitedash makes it easy to personalize your dashboard and built-in features to enhance the client experience.
Pros:
- Fully customizable client portal
- Responsive and helpful customer support team
- App integration for easier workflows
Cons:
- Lacks a user-friendly interface design
- With many advanced features, there may be a learning curve for novice users
- Limited resources for additional learning and education of the platform
Pricing:
- Offers a 14-day free trial of the Pinnacle Plan
- All users who start the free trial will be on the Pinnacle Plan
- Start Plan: $19 per month
- Thrive Plan: $49 per month
- Pinnacle Plan: $99 per month
- Additional bundles with extra features are available
Key Takeaways
As you can see, client relationship management platforms can increase productivity and streamline your workflow. If you’re looking for alternatives to HoneyBook, there are several options for small business owners in the market for CRM software. Many are designed to work with all types of businesses while others cater to specific industries—deciding which one is for you depends on your needs and goals. Once you know what kind of features and tools you’ll need to run your business, you can narrow down the list to the best platforms for your daily business operations. Learn more about Practice and our 7-day free trial to see if we can help you and your business.
