Is Honeybook Worth It? My Honest Review for 2024

Let’s be real: running a photography business isn’t all about dreamy light, Pinterest-worthy mood boards and amazing clients in front of your lens. It’s also emails, contracts, payments, scheduling, follow-ups, and a million sticky notes trying to keep track of it all. For years, that backend chaos left me feeling like I was barely keeping my head above water, wondering if I could find the best CRM for photographers. Then I tried HoneyBook.

At first, I thought, okay, here’s another fancy-shmancy software claiming to fix my life. But after diving in, it wasn’t just another tool—it was the tool. HoneyBook didn’t just help me organize my business; it gave me my time (and sanity) back. No more piecing together clunky systems or drowning in admin work. Instead, I had one powerful and beautiful platform that made me feel like I had my sh!t together—even on the days I was still in yoga pants at 3 PM.

In this honest review, I’m sharing how HoneyBook has changed my business, the features I love (and a few I think could improve), and why it might be the right or wrong fit for you. Whether you’re a photographer overwhelmed by client management or just curious if HoneyBook is worth the investment, you’re in the right place.

What is HoneyBook?

HoneyBook is an all-in-one clientflow management platform designed to take the chaos out of running a business. Some refer to it as a CRM for photographers and other creative, service-based businesses. Specifically, it streamlines everything from booking clients to managing projects, automating follow-ups, getting paid, and more—into one beautifully organized system.

How does Honeybook help?

Managing your clientflow—the complete journey from initial contact to completed project—can get messy fast. HoneyBook simplifies this entire process by giving you the tools to manage both the client-facing steps and the behind-the-scenes details of your business.

The way I manage my business has completely changed since switching to HoneyBook With tools to build a workflow that feels effortless, intuitive, and aligned with how I work best. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client management, this could be the reset you’ve been looking for.

If you’re curious about how HoneyBook could work for your business, it’s worth taking a look.

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Why I chose HoneyBook (over Dubsado, 17hats, Iris Works, Tave + more)

When I started looking for a new CRM for photographers in 2021, I wasn’t just looking for functionality—I needed something that actually worked for me. My workflow was chaotic and jerry-rigged. I tested other platforms, none of them felt intuitive or, honestly, even enjoyable to use. What I really wanted was a tool that could simplify my business and calm the chaos without adding more stress. That’s exactly what I found with HoneyBook.

It’s ADHD-Friendly

Managing a business can be tricky when platforms bury important information under layers to click through. For those of us with ADHD, object permanence can be a real challenge. The Pipeline has been such a game-changer for me. It gives me a clear, at-a-glance representation of every step in my client journey, so I always know exactly where I’m at with each project. There are even automations that allow a project to move stages as your project progresses. No more second-guessing, no more missed steps—just a sense of calm and control over my workflow.

Additionally, HoneyBook also has a growing list built-in features that support executive function. like inquiry follow-up reminders, workflow automations, a robust mobile app, custom project tags/filters, automated payment/client reminders and UI upgrades, all of which ensure nothing slips through the cracks. It’s designed to work with the way my brain operates, not against it. These are only a handful of the features that reduce the number of small decisions you have to make and simplify complex workflows. They’re designed to alleviate the mental load by automating, organizing, and providing visual (and mental) clarity. PLUS…with everything so accessible, I spend less time worrying about what I might have missed and more time actually doing what I love.

It Replaced Multiple Apps

Before HoneyBook, I relied on a patchwork of different tools to keep my business running. With HoneyBook, everything I need is finally in one place. Here’s a quick look at the apps it replaced:

Scheduling Tools (Calendly or Acuity Scheduling)
E-Signature Platforms (DocuSign or HelloSign)
Invoicing and Payment Processors ( PayPal, Square, or QuickBooks)
Client Communication ( Gmail/GSuite + Outlook, etc)
Proposal/Brochure Creation (Canva or Adobe InDesign)
Task and Workflow Management Tools (Trello or Asana)
File Sharing Platforms ( Dropbox or Google Drive)
Ai Tools ( ChatGPT or Claude)


With everything integrated into one system, I don’t have to juggle multiple subscriptions or deal with gaps in a CRM for photographers. It’s not just easier for me—it’s better for my clients too. They love how seamless and straightforward everything feels, and I love not having to jump between apps to make it happen.

Powerful, But Not Overwhelming

Some platforms are so complex they feel like a second full-time job. HoneyBook strikes the perfect balance: it’s powerful enough to handle the demands of my business but intuitive enough that I never dread logging in. Whether I’m building a straightforward workflow or an automation powerhouse, the process feels seamless and easy to navigate.

Having a tool that works with me instead of against me is incredibly empowering. HoneyBook keeps me on top of everything without the overwhelm—and that, to me, is priceless.

A Beautiful Client Experience

Let’s not forget the client side of things. HoneyBook delivers a polished, professional experience that ensures my clients feel supported and valued at every step. From a beautifully branded experience to features that offer client-accessible tools, every detail is designed to foster trust and make the process effortless.

HoneyBook can give clients control over key decisions, like selecting payment plans, payment methods, choosing packages, and completing their booking. With your own access to settings, like the number of payments allowed, the process stays smooth and within your business guidelines while still offering flexibility.

My clients notice the difference. They’ve commented on how smooth and straightforward the journey from inquiry to booking and payment feels. I whole-heartedly believe that when your process inspires confidence, it immediately builds trust and sets the tone for a strong and collaborative relationship.

How HoneyBook Has Changed My Business

Since switching to HoneyBook, I’ve experienced changes that go far beyond just saving time (though that’s a big one!). It’s empowered me to be a more confident business owner, deliver a better client experience, and focus on the creative work I love most.

More Time Back

By automating tasks and integrating everything into one platform, I’ve gained hours back each week. Tasks that used to take forever—like sending follow-ups or creating proposals—now happen seamlessly, with just a few clicks or automatically. With that extra time, I can focus on growing my business and balancing my life outside of work.

Increased Confidence

Having a system that’s both streamlined and professional has done wonders for my confidence as a business owner. Knowing that my clients experience a polished, seamless process from start to finish reassures me that I’m delivering my best—even on the days when I feel like I’m barely holding it together.

It’s hard to feel like an imposter when your systems are running smoothly and your clients are raving about how effortless the experience feels.

Client Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship, and HoneyBook helps me build it from day one. From the smooth booking process to the seamless client experience, every interaction feels organized and professional, putting clients at ease. They know they’re in good hands because the process is not only smooth but also thoughtfully designed. When clients feel cared for, they’re more relaxed and open throughout the entire experience, which makes my job even more rewarding.

Space to Thrive

HoneyBook as a CRM for photographers has minimized the admin chaos, allowing me to dedicate my energy to what matters most—delivering meaningful work for my clients. With fewer distractions, I finally have the mental space to thrive creatively and focus on growing my business.

What I Love the Most About Honeybook

HoneyBook is packed with features that make running my business feel seamless. Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

These are just a few of the features I’ve come to rely on daily. If you’re ready to explore how HoneyBook as a CRM for photographers could make your life easier, give it a try here + 30% off.

How Honeybook Could do Better

HoneyBook has transformed the way I run my business, but no platform is without its flaws. There are a few areas where I’d love to see further improvements:

Calendar + Scheduler

The current calendar integration is functional, but there’s room for refinement, especially around how well it plays with non-Google calendars. A more robust system with better syncing options would make the integration even smoother. I would also love to see some UI updates to how each scheduler is built and the ability to group session types.

Client Portal Updates

The client portal is already a fantastic tool, but I’d love to see it evolve with a more modern design and expanded functionality. A more customizable experience for clients would elevate the platform even further. A huge feature I would love to see is a way to template the client portal experience so the resources and setup is automatically populated instead of customizing individually.

Gallery Integrations

While the Pic-Time integration is helpful, adding support for other popular gallery platforms like Cloudspot or Pixiset would make HoneyBook even more versatile—especially for photographers like me who prefer other gallery hosts but would love a more native integration. This could solidify their spot for best CRM for photographers and creatives..

Branding Options

While there are company settings, a global brand kit, similar to Canva, would be an amazing addition. Having the ability to save an expanded color palette, fonts, and branding elements in one place/click would make it easier to maintain consistency. Having to keep hex codes handy if I want to customize the look of emails is kind of annoying.

Lead Forms and SmartFiles

These are already powerful tools, but there’s so much potential for further development. Expanded customization and functionality would make them even more impactful for streamlining client onboarding.

These are small changes I’d love to see down the road. They don’t take away from how much I value the platform, but they’re areas where HoneyBook could refine the experience even further.

How does HoneyBook compare?

I’ve tried my fair share of clientflow management platforms, and while each has its strengths, HoneyBook consistently stands out for a few key reasons:

A Platform That Keeps Evolving

HoneyBook stands out because it’s constantly evolving. The team behind the platform is always listening to user feedback and rolling out thoughtful updates, like the AI Assistant and SMS reminders. It’s clear they’re significantly committed to making the platform better with every iteration, which keeps it ahead of the curve and aligned with the needs of modern creatives. A platform that was once built as a CRM for photographers and creatives in the wedding industry has expanded to support so many other industries over the last 11 years. Over 80+ features were rolled out in 2024 alone!

Fostering Community & Collaboration

HoneyBook actively fosters a vibrant community for service-based entrepreneurs like photographers, designers, and consultants. Their platform is designed to help independent business owners connect, collaborate, and grow together with a shared philosophy of “community over competition.”

Here’s what makes HoneyBook’s community special:

Local Connections: Easily search for and connect with nearby business owners to build meaningful relationships and explore new collaborations.

Collaborative Philosophy: HoneyBook encourages an environment where supporting others is the norm, helping everyone grow together.

Active Engagement: From hosting events to incorporating user feedback, HoneyBook actively listens and evolves to meet the needs of its community.

Shared Knowledge:  Whether through forums, events, or resources, the community is a place to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others’ experiences.

By creating a space where independent business owners can connect, share, and grow together, HoneyBook emphasizes the value of community in building a successful business—together.

The Magic is in the Details

It’s the small details that make HoneyBook so user-friendly with thoughtful UI touches and feature updates. The little ‘new’ icon highlighting updates feels like a little love note. These details show that HoneyBook truly understands what creatives need to stay organized and inspired.

Other CRM Platforms I’ve Tried

Over the years, I’ve experimented with several clientflow systems, trying to find best CRM for photographers. Here’s how they stack up:

Táve was powerful, but far too complicated. The layered interface made it overwhelming, and I ultimately never set anything up because it felt like too much to tackle.

Iris Works I joined during its founding year, and while it was simple to use, it was also too basic. It lacked the features I needed to truly streamline my business.

17hats wasn’t intuitive to me, and its layout gave me the “ick”. Even other users I spoke to admitted that while it worked, it took some getting used to—and I didn’t want to settle for “not bad.”

Dubsado is probably the biggest competitor as a CRM for photographers. My experience was mixed. A few years ago, it lacked a mobile app, and the builder was clunky and hard to navigate. Curious about their updates, I recently revisited the platform to compare it side by side with HoneyBook. While they’ve added features, I was surprised to see that the dashboard and user interface hadn’t evolved much.

Cloudspot has been my choice for client galleries for a few years now. They recently released a CRM side to their platform that is included in their subscription. I took some time to explore the features to see for myself what they had to offer. It’s simple. No automations or anything outside the most basic features— and for some that is enough. If you’re curious, you can check it out here and get 20% off your first year.

Is Honeybook right for you?

HoneyBook is perfect for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, event planners, and other service-based pros looking to simplify their workflows. With tools that automate the busywork and keep everything organized in one place, it helps you save time while delivering a seamless, polished client experience.

If you’ve been nodding along, thinking this might work for your business, don’t wait to give it a try. Here’s the link to start exploring HoneyBook as a CRM for photographers + creatives.

Tips for getting started with HoneyBook

Diving into a new platform like HoneyBook can feel like a big task, but trust me—it’s worth it. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

So, is Honeybook Worth it?

TL;DR yes.

Running a business isn’t easy, but tools like HoneyBook make it far more manageable. From streamlining my workflows to enhancing my client experience, it’s become an essential part of how I operate day-to-day.

Of course, HoneyBook isn’t perfect (no platform is), and I’ve shared some areas where there’s room for improvement. However, the benefits it brings—like saving time, building client trust, and keeping me organized—easily outweigh the minor tweaks I’d love to see.

So, is HoneyBook worth it? For me, absolutely. If you’re ready to simplify your workflow, elevate your client experience, and focus on the work you truly love, I encourage you to give it a try.