Have you heard about the HoneyBook pricing changes starting in 2025? In late 2024 HoneyBook announced to it’s current customers that they would be raising their prices starting in February 2025. The annual cost will shift from $400 for the essentials plan to $588. If you’re like most creative entrepreneurs, you’re probably wondering, with this increase – is HoneyBook still worth it?

Here’s the thing – I’m not panicked about it. When I found out, I broke down the annual cost and realized that $50 a month still feels fair for everything HoneyBook provides. HoneyBook hasn’t raised their prices in years, and let’s be honest – if they had done smaller bumps over time, no one would have blinked.

As someone who works with photographers and creatives raising their own prices year after year to stay profitable, I think it’s fair for a platform like HoneyBook to do the same – especially with the features they’re rolling out (last year alone they rolled out 80+ new features!)

But let’s be real – every dollar counts in business. So, let’s talk about why you might want to stick with HoneyBook despite the price increase, and when it might make sense to consider alternatives.

Why the HoneyBook Pricing Changes Might Not Be a Dealbreaker

HoneyBook isn’t just another CRM – it’s designed to streamline and automate the entire client experience. And with the updates they’ve been rolling out, I honestly think the value matches the price.

Here’s what stands out to me:

• Lead Forms and Embedded Lead Forms – Simplifies booking, especially for mini sessions.
• Smart Templates – Cuts down on manual work by automatically applying the right workflows.
• Updated Scheduler – Keeps the booking process seamless and professional.
• Finance Tools – Makes tracking invoices and expenses easier.
• Conditional Automations (coming later in 2025) – This is HUGE. Automations will branch based on client actions (or inaction), creating multiple pathways and removing even more manual work.

The HoneyBook pricing changes reflect the platform’s growth and continued focus on improving user experience. HoneyBook has been around for years and consistently evolves to meet the needs of creative entrepreneurs. Unlike newer tools that are still ironing out the kinks, HoneyBook has proven to grow with businesses over time.

Real-Life Example:
I worked with Jaime, a photographer who needed a simple way to book mini-sessions without doing everything manually. By setting up lead forms connected to automations that handled contracts, invoices, and reminders, Jaime barely had to touch her system. She went from spending hours managing bookings to watching clients sign up seamlessly.

Why HoneyBook Might Not Be the Right Fit (For Now)

That said, HoneyBook isn’t for everyone – and that’s okay.

If you’re just starting out and unsure of your income, this price increase might feel like a stretch.

Here’s when it might not be the right fit:

• You’re not booking consistently – If you’re only booking a handful of clients per year, you might not need HoneyBook’s full feature set.
• Limited workflow needs – If you aren’t using automations or need just basic contracts and invoices, HoneyBook could feel like overkill.
• Setup feels overwhelming – HoneyBook is powerful but requires time to set up properly. If you aren’t ready to invest that time or money, simpler tools might be better. 

Pros and Cons of Sticking with HoneyBook with the pricing changes

Pros:

• Time-Saving Automations – Automate contracts, invoices, and reminders effortlessly.
• Scales with You – Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or growing a team, HoneyBook evolves to meet your needs.
• Professional Client Experience – Lead forms, schedulers, and branded communication streamline your client journey.
• All-in-One Tool – Invoicing, project management, and scheduling in one place – fewer tools to juggle.

Cons:

• Higher Price Point – More expensive than some simpler CRMs, especially after the HoneyBook pricing changes.
• Feature Overload for Beginners – May feel overwhelming if you’re not using automations or managing high client volume.
• Learning Curve – Takes time to set up and optimize to fully benefit from the features.

Alternatives to HoneyBook (and How to Transition Smoothly)

Before you abandon HoneyBook, consider this:
You can downgrade to the Standard membership ($29/month).
This keeps the core features you need without paying for advanced automations you aren’t using yet.

But if you do want to switch, here are some options I recommend:

• ShootProof – I used this when I started my photography business. It’s simple, handles contracts and invoices, and doubles as a gallery delivery tool.
• Dubsado / 17hats – Both offer solid CRM features with more flexible pricing options depending on what you need.

How to Transition to a New CRM Without Disrupting Clients:

Switching CRMs isn’t something you rush. Here’s how to handle it smoothly:

1. Notify Current Clients – Send a formal email to anyone with active projects, pending contracts, or invoices. Reassure them that the switch won’t affect their experience.
2. Backup Everything – Download all your contracts, invoices, and automation templates.
3. Test Before Launching – Don’t onboard new clients until you’ve fully tested the new CRM.
4. Export Client Info – Download a list of all past client contacts. This ensures you don’t lose important data.

Mapping Out Your Ideal Workflow (From Workflows That Wow)

One of the biggest factors in deciding whether to stay with HoneyBook or switch is understanding your ideal workflow.

In my Workflows that Wow ebook, I walk you through Mapping Their Client’s Journey step by step. This process helps you see your workflow from your client’s perspective and identify areas that need more support or automation.

By visualizing the entire journey, you uncover gaps and create workflows that save time, reduce stress, and lead to happier clients. If you are considering some changes to your CRM, I highly recommend taking this step to map your workflows before making a decision. Knowing what you and your clients need at every step of the way will help you to know what features are necessary for your CRM.

How to Feel Confident in Your Decision

At the end of the day, the right CRM is the one that fits your business now.

• If HoneyBook is saving you time and streamlining workflows, the HoneyBook pricing changes won’t feel like a burden.
• If you’re early in your business and still figuring things out, start simple. HoneyBook (or any CRM) should grow with you. You can also get 30% off your first year of HoneyBook here!

If you’re unsure how to map that out – I can help. My Workflows That Wow ebook walks you through building workflows, identifying gaps, and automating your systems for smoother business operations.

Ready to audit your workflow and choose the right CRM for you?
👉 Book a 1:1 coaching call – I’ll help you assess what’s working, what’s not, and find a system that fits your business needs.