Is It a Business Game-Changer or Just Another Platform to Wrangle?
I recently started using HoneyBook, and here are my unfiltered first impressions. Spoiler alert: it’s both a game-changer and a mild headache—which, let’s be real, is standard for most business tools.
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The Learning Curve: Pretty Chill, But You Gotta Adapt
The platform itself? Super intuitive. They really want you to succeed—so much so that if you’re switching from another system, they’ll migrate your existing files for you like some kind of fairy godmother of admin work.
They’ve also packed the platform with guides, webinars, and support staff just waiting to hold your hand. So, learning how to use it? Not the problem.
The problem is reprogramming your brain. HoneyBook forces you to shift how you manage your business, and if you’re a creature of habit (hi, same), that adjustment can be…unpleasant.
Think of it like upgrading from your trusty, beat-up sedan to a sleek electric car—you know it’s better, but suddenly, you can’t find the start button, and now you’re just sitting in silence, questioning your choices.
Customization: So Many Templates, So Many Stock Photos
Holy bananas, the number of templates. It’s like walking into Costco while starving—so many options, and suddenly, you’re too overwhelmed to function.
The default aesthetic is very… beige. Aggressively neutral. Not offensive, but also not exciting.
The good news? You can customize—colors, fonts, layouts. The structure they provide isn’t bad; actually, the built-in guidelines help things look polished.
The bad news? Design flexibility is mid—not so rigid that you feel trapped, but not so open that you can go wild with creativity.
Bottom line: you can make it work, but don’t expect a blank canvas.
Team Collaboration: Let Me Just Show You, Not Hire You
If you’re a solo entrepreneur, HoneyBook is a dream.
If you have a small team, though? It’s… functional, but not seamless.
Yes, I can add users and pay extra for those seats (because, of course, everything costs extra), but sometimes, I don’t need full-blown team access—I just want to show someone a draft and get their opinion.
HoneyBook doesn’t love that idea. There’s no easy way to add a “guest” reviewer without giving them too much access or paying for another user.
It’s like inviting someone over for dinner and realizing your only seating options are either giving them the best chair or making them stand awkwardly in the kitchen.
Payments: Not Highway Robbery, So That’s Nice
One of HoneyBook’s strong points? Getting paid.
Clients can pay you directly through the platform without unnecessary hoops, and—shockingly—the processing fees are just the industry standard.
No bloated transaction fees that make you question your life choices (cough PayPal cough).
It’s not free (because what is?), but it won’t make you cry when you check your payout balance.
Contracts & Proposals: 10/10, No Notes
This is where HoneyBook flexes.
- Creating and sending proposals? Ridiculously easy.
- The process? Looks polished and professional.
- Time saved? A ton.
Bonus: If you don’t already have a contract, HoneyBook provides templates to get you started.
And! You can collect signatures directly, so no need for a separate e-signing tool.
My only gripe? Sometimes, I just want to export a simple PDF, and HoneyBook makes that weirdly complicated. But overall, solid win.
Integrations: Some? Yes. All? Nope.
Basic integrations? Sure. I can connect my calendar and email just fine.
But advanced automation, API keys, or deeper customizations? Yeah, that’s hiding behind the next pricing tier’s paywall.
Oh, and scheduling? Clunky. I can set up one scheduling type, but if I want multiple options, I have to use another tool.
Since Calendly also paywalls advanced features, this turns into a fun little obstacle course I didn’t sign up for.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
I’m gonna keep playing with HoneyBook for a while and will probably write an update in six months—either singing its praises or rage-quitting. TBD.
In the meantime, if you want to try it, here’s my referral code. Use it, and you, too, can experience the magic and mild chaos that is HoneyBook.
P.S. If anyone at HoneyBook reads this, call me—I have thoughts.
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