I remember this like it was yesterday. I was in the early stages of growing my business and had to figure so many things out as I went. So I did what I knew best at the time and used Photoshop, the post office, and my printer. Yes, I had my clients print out, sign and MAIL back any documents that I sent to them. Yikes. Enter the most amazing client management system: Honeybook! Hint: there’s an awesome code at the bottom for you to get your first YEAR at 50% or $200 in savings!
It wasn’t until 2016 when I learned more about Honeybook and all of the amazing features that it has. While you don’t have to be a photographer to take advantage of this program, I would HIGHLY recommend it for any and all small businesses. Now that I’ve used Honeybook for years, I truly can’t imagine not having this program. Long gone are the days of printing anything off and mailing it back! Let’s dive into the *many* features of Honeybook that I use and LOVE in my business:
Mobile App
I love being able to access or send any documents on the go! Do you have a bride ready to book but you’re out of office? Or need to send over a questionnaire? Now you can do it anywhere and don’t have to be home in your office!
Bookkeeping
I started my business before Honeybook started so I starting using quick books for my main book-keeping. However, you can still see your profit & loss, payments, overdue payments, etc.! AND you can actually sync your bookkeeping to quick books too so that it automatically enters your payments into QuickBooks!
Contracts
Obviously this is one of the biggest changes that sold me on joining this program! Now with the click of a few buttons, I can send over a contract for any occasion (weddings, second shooter, etc). No more stress or emails of “did you get my paperwork yet?”.
Invoices
This has also been a huge upgrade from my previous ways. I am also able to set up a payment schedule and have reminders sent to them automatically. Once I receive payment, I can mark their schedule paid and resend it back to them so that they can see how many payments are left! I also love that Honeybook offers a credit card method for my clients so that I can get paid instantly. Or if my client prefers, they can still mail a check!
Email Templates
This has been a game-changer! You really eliminate a lot of time once you enter your emails into Honeybook! Just select your document, click on the correct email template and you’re done! (maybe change out your client’s names but you get the point!) It’s super user friendly to add and update templates – I do this all the time as I go!
GRAB MY EXACT HONEYBOOK WORKFLOW AND EMAIL TEMPLATES HERE!
Brochures
This has been my new-found FAVORITE thing about Honeybook! I’ve created two new documents for my brides that allow me to send them a preferred vendors list with links, photos, and text and also a timeline of events! I love that I can do SO MUCH MORE with this program than just sending contracts, invoices, and questionnaires!
Automate your workflow
If I haven’t sold you yet on why you need to be using Honeybook, this might be the push over the edge! With all of these things I’ve mentioned above – you can AUTOMATE your whole workflow!! (And all the small business owners said AMEN!)
The contact form on your website
This is a great and easy way to avoid extra steps in your workflow. You can embed a contact form directly to your website that syncs into Honeybook. Once a client submits their inquiry on your website, all of their information automatically gets plugged into your Honeybook account – the hard work is done! Then it’s just clicking a few buttons on your phone (remember, the mobile app) and automating the workflow. You can also enter their referral source which is a great way to keep track of which marketing efforts are working!
Customized Branding
One of my favorite design features is that you’re able to customize it with your own branding logos and colors! I love that I’m still able to keep all facets of my business cohesive with my own personal branding.
Questionnaires
I know I keep saying this, but I also LOVE this. It’s made my life (okay, slightly dramatic) so much easier and organized. It’s super important that my clients receive a wedding day questionnaire, a wedding vendor document and my newly created album questionnaire! This keeps everything stream-lined for the wedding day and helps me to better plan things out!
Organization
I can select to see just the current projects/clients that I’m working on, what stage they’re in, who needs to sign contracts yet, etc.! I can also add any additional steps in the booking process if needed!
Networking
It’s super easy to network with other vendors and find opportunities around your location. From second shooting to finding a photographer for headshots, you can make connections super easily!
Calendar
Never worry again about double-booking your services! You can sync your Honeybook calendar to your iPhone so that you’re always up to date on your weddings and sessions. It inputs the project name, time, and calendar that you set up during the initial on-boarding process.
If I haven’t convinced you yet why you NEED Honeybook, I’m not sure what else I can do :) This program alone has made things so much smoother and stress-free for me when it comes to onboarding a client until the final delivery! Now I know that I’m not missing a beat with my client workflow, peace of mind to not double-book myself, can ensure a smooth and positive experience all around for my clients! If you would love to streamline your services, automate your workflow and SO much more, Use this code to receive 50% OFF your first year!!
If you’ve enjoyed this post, you’ll also love:
How I Saved Hours on my Post-Wedding Workflow
The Top 10 Essential Apps & Programs for Every Photographer
Get my full Honeybook client workflow system HERE!