Managing a freelance business is no small task. From keeping track of clients and projects to sending invoices and follow-ups, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool comes in.
HighLevel and HoneyBook are two of the best CRMs for freelancers, each offering unique features to help you stay organized and professional. But which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Why Freelancers Need an All-in-One CRM
Freelancers handle everything—marketing, project management, client communication, and invoicing. A good CRM makes these tasks easier so you can focus on what matters: growing your business. Here’s what it can do for you:
- Organize client information – Keep all interactions, emails, and notes in one place.
- Automate workflows – Set up reminders, follow-up emails, and task automation.
- Simplify invoicing & payments – Get paid faster with built-in payment processing.
- Improve professionalism – Send branded proposals, contracts, and invoices.
Must-Have Features in a CRM for Freelancers
When choosing a CRM, look for:
- Client tracking – Store client details, past projects, and communications.
- Project management – Stay on top of deadlines and deliverables.
- Automation – Set up email sequences and follow-up reminders.
- Invoicing & payments – Send invoices and accept payments directly.
- Integrations – Connect with tools like Gmail, Calendly, and QuickBooks.
HighLevel vs. HoneyBook: Features
Both HighLevel and HoneyBook help freelancers manage clients, streamline workflows, and handle payments. But they cater to different types of freelancers. HighLevel is ideal for those who want advanced automation and scalability, while HoneyBook is a more straightforward, budget-friendly CRM for client management. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features.
User Experience
A CRM should be easy to use, especially for busy freelancers who don’t have time to learn complicated software. HighLevel and HoneyBook offer different user experiences depending on how much customization and control you need.
- HighLevel is designed for freelancers and agencies who need a powerful, customizable system. The dashboard includes multiple tools for client management, automation, and marketing, but the learning curve is steep.
- HoneyBook is built for solo freelancers and creatives. It has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface with minimal setup required, making it an excellent choice for those who need a straightforward CRM.
Client Management
A good CRM should help you manage client interactions and keep projects running smoothly. HighLevel and HoneyBook handle client management in different ways.
- HighLevel offers advanced automation tools for lead generation, follow-ups, and sales funnels. It automates emails, SMS marketing, and appointment scheduling, making it an excellent choice for freelancers who want to streamline client acquisition.
- HoneyBook focuses on client onboarding and project workflows. It’s great for sending contracts, collecting payments, and tracking projects, but it lacks advanced marketing automation features.
Pricing
Budget is a significant factor when choosing a CRM. HighLevel and HoneyBook have very different pricing models based on the features they offer.
- HighLevel starts at $97/month, making it a more significant investment. However, it includes powerful automation and marketing tools that can help freelancers grow their businesses and scale into an agency.
- HoneyBook starts at $29/month (billed annually), making it a budget-friendly option for freelancers who only need basic client and project management tools.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Each CRM
Choosing the right CRM depends on your business needs. Some freelancers prioritize automation and scalability, while others need a straightforward tool for managing projects and invoicing. Below is a breakdown of each CRM’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one aligns best with your workflow.
HighLevel
HighLevel is more than just a CRM—it’s a full-scale freelance business operating system with built-in marketing, automation, and lead-generation tools. Unlike standard CRMs, it allows freelancers to create entire sales funnels, manage leads, and automate client communication.
Strengths
- Full business operating system that includes marketing tools, automation, and sales funnels.
- Advanced lead management, email marketing, and client follow-up automation, helping freelancers save time and improve client communication.
- It is highly scalable, making it an excellent choice for freelancers planning to expand into an agency or handle multiple client pipelines.
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve due to its advanced features, which may take time to master.
- A higher price point at $97/month which may not be ideal for freelancers on a tight budget.
HoneyBook
HoneyBook is best for solo freelancers who don’t need advanced automation but want an easy way to manage their clients and projects. If you don’t plan on using HighLevel to automate client interactions and instead just need a straightforward tool for proposals, invoicing, and contracts, HoneyBook is the better choice.
Strengths
- Beginner-friendly with a simple, intuitive interface that requires minimal setup.
- Affordable pricing at $29/month when billed annually, making it a cost-effective option for solo freelancers.
- All-in-one tool for contracts, invoices, and payments, allowing freelancers to keep everything organized in one place.
Weaknesses
- Limited automation compared to HighLevel, lacking email sequences, lead nurturing, or SMS marketing.
- It's not ideal for scaling, as it’s designed primarily for solo freelancers rather than those managing multiple client pipelines.
Final Verdict: Which CRM Should You Choose?
HighLevel is ideal for freelancers who need automation, marketing tools, and scalability, while HoneyBook is a budget-friendly CRM for solo freelancers managing client projects and invoices. The right choice depends on whether you need advanced automation or a simple, all-in-one client management tool.
If you’re still unsure, Spearlance Media is your go-to resource for navigating the freelance world with the right tools and strategies. They help freelancers find the best business software, optimize workflows, and scale efficiently. With their expert insights, choosing the perfect CRM and streamlining your operations becomes effortless.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CRM is a crucial step in optimizing your freelance business. Whether you need HighLevel’s advanced automation or HoneyBook’s simple client management, investing in the right tool will save you time and improve efficiency. Take control of your business today with the right CRM solution.
Need more guidance? Visit Spearlance Media for professional guidance, tools, and resources to help you grow and streamline your freelance business.
