Dubsado: The Best Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) for Small Businesses
- Brittany Miller
- Mar 28
- 7 min read
If you’re struggling with client relationship management and spending too much time on administrative tasks, Dubsado might be the solution you need. I’ve been using Dubsado for over two years now, and it has completely transformed how I manage my business. From automating invoices to scheduling discovery calls, this customer relationship management system example is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why I chose Dubsado over HoneyBook vs. Dubsado, its key features, pricing details, and how it has helped me run my business more efficiently.
If we haven't met yet, hi, I'm Brittany, a mom, mystery buff, bookworm, and DIY home decor enthusiast. I help business owners get seen, loved and paid. If you're looking for support with your social media, email marketing to podcast, click here to learn how I can help.
Why I Recommend Dubsado
If you’re looking for a customer relationship management system example that automates admin work, enhances professionalism, and saves hours each week, Dubsado is an excellent choice. With its intuitive interface, powerful integrations, and flexible pricing, it’s a must-have for service-based businesses. Get started with Dubsado today.
Table of Contents
What is a CRM?
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is software that helps businesses manage client interactions, track leads, automate workflows, and organize projects. The right customer management system software ensures that every interaction with a lead or client is seamless, professional, and efficient.
For small businesses, freelancers, and creatives, having a CRM means spending less time on admin work and more time growing your business.
What is Dubsado?
Dubsado is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system designed to help businesses of all sizes manage clients, automate workflows, and handle contracts, invoices, and project tracking in one place.
Before I started using Dubsado, I manually sent invoices, tracked expenses in Excel, and shared Zoom links through DMs. It was time-consuming and inefficient. That’s when I started researching CRM options and found two leading choices: HoneyBook vs. Dubsado. After comparing features and pricing, I decided to move forward with Dubsado—and I’ve never looked back!
Why Use a CRM Like Dubsado?
Unlike generic CRM tools, Dubsado CRM for creatives is designed specifically for service providers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. It goes beyond basic client tracking by offering:
✔ Automated workflows to reduce manual tasks
✔ Integrated invoicing and contracts
✔ Built-in scheduling and email templates
✔ Lead tracking and client management
✔ Customizable proposals and forms
If you want to scale your business without drowning in admin work, a CRM like Dubsado is essential.
Types of Businesses That Love Dubsado
Dubsado is perfect for:
👉🏻 Freelancers & Creatives – Graphic designers, writers, and photographers benefit from Dubsado’s automation and contract management features.
👉🏻 Coaches & Consultants – Schedule calls, manage clients, and streamline invoicing.
👉🏻 Event Planners & Wedding Professionals – Keep track of bookings, contracts, and timelines effortlessly.
👉🏻 Service-Based Businesses – Automate proposals, contracts, and client communication.
Which one to choose? HoneyBook vs. Dubsado
When choosing a customer relationship management system, two of the most popular options are HoneyBook vs. Dubsado. Here’s how they compare:
When comparing HoneyBook vs. Dubsado, the best choice depends on your business needs. Here’s a breakdown of key features to help you decide:
Custom Workflows: Dubsado offers fully customizable workflows, allowing businesses to automate their processes, while HoneyBook has limited automation capabilities.
Scheduling: Both platforms include built-in scheduling tools, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
Payment Processing: Dubsado integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and Square, offering more flexibility, whereas HoneyBook only supports Stripe and PayPal.
Email Templates: Both CRMs provide pre-written email templates, making client communication easier.
Contracts & Proposals: Dubsado allows full customization, letting users tailor contracts and proposals, while HoneyBook offers pre-designed templates for quick setup.
Free Trial: Dubsado provides a free trial for up to three clients, giving users ample time to test the platform, whereas HoneyBook limits its trial to seven days.
Best For: Dubsado is ideal for businesses that need advanced automation and customization, while HoneyBook is better suited for those looking for a simpler, user-friendly CRM.
For those who prioritize flexibility and automation, Dubsado is the superior choice. However, if ease of use and quick setup are your top priorities, HoneyBook may be the better fit.
Why I Chose Dubsado Over HoneyBook?
When searching for a CRM, my top priorities were:
✅ Automating my onboarding process
✅ Making client discovery calls easier
✅ Simplifying invoicing and payments
I explored both HoneyBook vs. Dubsado, and while both offer similar features, Dubsado’s customization and automation capabilities stood out. I even took advantage of a free training session and a fantastic promo they had (use my affiliate link dubsado.com/?c=brittanymillersocials to get a special deal and support my business!).
Top Features of Dubsado
Dubsado is packed with features that reduce administrative workload and enhance client experience. Here are my favourite ones:
Seamless Video Platform Integration
Dubsado automatically sends Zoom or Google Meet links for scheduled calls, along with reminders so clients never miss a meeting.
QuickBooks & Financial Tracking
Syncs with QuickBooks to centralize financial data.
Native analytics let you track income, expenses, and outstanding invoices.
Simplified Client Onboarding
Create proposals, contracts, and invoices—all in one step.
Access ready-to-use proposal and contract templates to save time.
Automated Workflows & Email Sequences
Canned emails (pre-written templates) make responding to clients faster.
Automate appointment scheduling, follow-ups, reminders, and form submissions.
Note: Dubsado does not offer email campaign options, for more robust email features check out my favourite email platform Omnisend
Flexible Payment Options
How I Use Dubsado in My Business
Dubsado has been a game-changer for managing my workflow. Here’s how I use it daily:
✔ Podcast Guest Applications– Organizes submissions for my Go Get Great podcast.
✔ Discovery Call Bookings – Automates scheduling with pre-set availability.
✔ Client Onboarding – Handles proposals, contracts, and invoicing in one step.
✔ Automated Invoicing & Payments – Sends reminders and tracks payment statuses.
✔ Client Lead Tracking – Moves inquiries through intake, onboarding, and offboarding seamlessly.
With Dubsado’s project boards, I can visualize every client’s journey from inquiry to completion—making my workflow smoother and my client experience more professional.
Dubsado Pricing & Plans
Dubsado offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs:
Monthly Subscription – Ideal for those who prefer a pay-as-you-go option.
Annual Plan – A cost-saving option that includes a discount for upfront payment.
Free Trial – Test Dubsado with up to 3 client projects before upgrading.
Use my affiliate link to get started with Dubsado today!
Make Getting Started with Dubsado Easy
Setting up your Dubsado account correctly will help you maximize its features and streamline your workflow. Here’s my step-by-step recommendation for getting started:
Step 1: Set Up Your Business & Brand Details
Add your business information, branding elements, and preferences in the account settings.
Connect your payment processor, calendar, and video conferencing system (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
Step 2: Configure Your Booking Calendar
Set your availability, meeting length, buffer times, and max daily bookings.
Embed your booking link on your website or share it on social media.
Step 3: Create a Master Proposal
Include all your service offerings in one comprehensive proposal template.
Use Dubsado templates or design proposal assets in Canva for an on-brand client experience.
Step 4: Set Up Client Contracts
Link your contracts to proposals for seamless client onboarding.
Use Dubsado’s contract templates or purchase legally sound ones from the Soul Attorney’s Legally Lit Library.
Step 5: Build Your Canned Emails (Email Templates)
Save time by creating email templates for common client interactions, such as:
Call booking confirmation
Meeting reminders
Proposal and contract emails
Follow-up emails for unbooked clients
Project milestone updates
Final project delivery & offboarding emails
Testimonial/review request emails
Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT to help write emails in your brand’s voice.
Step 6: Create Intake & Questionnaire Forms
Design intake forms to collect essential client details before starting projects.
Pro Tip: Add a question asking for permission to share the collaboration on your website and social media.
Step 7: Build Automated Project Workflows
Automate the entire client process to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.
Set up triggers for sending emails, invoices, reminders, and project updates.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your Dubsado CRM is fully optimized, helping you save time and provide a professional experience for your clients.
FAQs About Dubsado
1. Is Dubsado just for service-based businesses?
While Dubsado is primarily designed for service-based businesses, product-based businesses that offer consultations or coaching can also benefit from its features.
2. Do I need a separate scheduling app if I use Dubsado?
No! Dubsado has a built-in calendar for clients to book appointments. You can set:
✔ Availability
✔ Meeting length
✔ Buffer time between meetings
✔ Max number of daily bookings
You can even embed your Dubsado scheduler on your website or share it via social media.
3. Can I use Dubsado without contracts or proposals?
Absolutely! If you don’t have contracts yet, Dubsado provides customizable templates that match your branding for a professional look.
4. What if I need help with Dubsado?
Dubsado’s customer support team is top-notch. They respond quickly via the built-in chat feature and offer free training sessions.
5. What’s the difference between HoneyBook and Dubsado?
Both are great CRMs, but Dubsado offers more customization, robust automation, and flexible workflow options compared to HoneyBook.
6. Does Dubsado charge a transaction fee?
No, Dubsado does not take a percentage of your payments. However, payment processors like Stripe or PayPal may charge standard transaction fees.
7. What is Dubsado Used For?
Dubsado is an all-in-one client relationship management platform that helps businesses automate client processes and simplifies your workflow by combining multiple tools into one platform.
Final Thoughts on Dubsado
Dubsado is a CRM made for service-based business owners. It has great features that save you time and allow you to deliver the premium client experience. Dubsado not only helps automate repetitive tasks but transform your business management, making it easier to scale your business.
If you’re ready to take control of your client management, Dubsado is the best investment you can make. Try it risk-free with their free trial and see how it can transform your workflow.
Ready to streamline your workflow? Use my affiliate link and sign up for Dubsado today!
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