But today, we\u2019re ditching the idea of comparing HoneyBook to other tools or even looking at this software as a whole. Instead, we\u2019ll be a bit nitpicky and lean over one specific feature \u2014 the HoneyBook client portal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it HoneyBook\u2019s strongest suit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n But first, let\u2019s soak in the world of unicorns and fluffy clouds made of ice cream to discuss the ideal client portal, and keep that mystical creature with us in mind for the rest of the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, an ideal client portal is a client-accessible space<\/strong> that allows them to view & share files, complete payments, check on their projects or orders, sign contracts, schedule meetings, get in touch with the team they\u2019re working with, and even more, preferably all under an intuitive UI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best client portals also come with vast amounts of white-labeling options, to make sure the branding of the business using the client portal stays consistent for the end client, eliminating the slightest chance for confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Client portals are usually available in the form of a SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, i.e., just like any other website \u2014 online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s how many project and business management software offer a client portal as one of their features, but there are also completely stand-alone client portal software platforms, as well as hybrid solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In HoneyBook, a client portal is one of the features we get as part of this project management software as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n HoneyBook\u2019s client portal is a shared, under a password-protected (or not) access, project space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning, you can add your clients to each project you manage in <\/strong>HoneyBook<\/a>, for them to view its essential details, access shared files & invoices, make payments, and message you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get a private space within each project to create your notes, to-dos, and automations in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And while we like the idea of keeping things coherent, the way HoneyBook executed their client portal feature makes it pretty limiting. But more on that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To integrate HoneyBook client portal, all you have to do is copy the link to it and share it on your website<\/strong>. Either under a button or directly in the website\u2019s menu, whichever rocks your boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But to make sure your client portal fits with your website and your branding, it\u2019s best to connect a custom domain to HoneyBook first. That way, your clients won\u2019t be confused when going from your website to your client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This brings us to customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How far can you go to make HoneyBook\u2019s client portal feel like your own?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, we have three main ways<\/strong> to customize our client portal in HoneyBook: by changing the colors and the aesthetics of our workspace & documents, by updating the background image of our project, and by customizing the login page for our clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bonus option we\u2019ve already mentioned is to connect your own domain to your HoneyBook account, so that your client portal and any other external links will be showing up without HoneyBook as the intermediary in the URL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this section however, we\u2019ll focus solely on the background image for each project and on customizing the login page, since these are the most effective for the looks of your HoneyBook client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To change the background image of your project, you simply have to go to Projects, select the specific project you want to customize, and find the image icon in the bottom right corner of the background image space. Once you click on it, you have the option to upload your own image or choose one from HoneyBook\u2019s library, which includes a few stock options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the actual client portal customization options, aka the login page settings, are located in the Company settings, under the Domain & Client Portal section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here, we can basically change the background color of our client portal login page and decide whether we\u2019d like to add our logo, either in full size or a square version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s pretty much all the customization we get in HoneyBook\u2019s client portal, which, if you ask us, is the standard, most software tends to go for. Good enough, but definitely not the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving the aesthetics aside, let\u2019s now focus on the actual elements HoneyBook\u2019s client portal comes with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, it\u2019s made up of 4 tabs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The activity tab<\/strong>: shows the activity within the project, such as booked sessions or issued invoices. But most importantly, the activity tab is what you\u2019ll be using to communicate with your clients and vice versa, as well as to check on the past conversations. Each and every email message exchanged throughout the project will be held in the activity tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The <\/strong>files tab<\/strong>: collects any files, smart files, or images shared within the project for us and our clients to easily download any needed document or resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The <\/strong>payments tab<\/strong>: shows any upcoming payments and makes it easy to complete them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The <\/strong>project details<\/strong> tab<\/strong>: gives your clients an easy overview of the most important details about their project. The tab, by default, shows the project’s name and type, your availability to scheduling sessions on project\u2019s date, project\u2019s date and location, and your description of the project. But you can customize the fields that show up in the project\u2019s details to your liking. Underneath, you\u2019ll find private details, which are simply the notes you\u2019ve been making within the project, visible only to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the top panel of each shared project, your clients also get to share any files or schedule a meeting or a session with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also want to bring up the private space you get within each project yet again, going through the exact options we get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First things first, we get a direct link to our client portal, which we can either copy or send to a selected client via email, along with a HoneyBook-provided template for that occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, we get to flip a few switches and change the project\u2019s stage, update our lead\u2019s source, start the time tracker, or create a to-do item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, this is also the place to view and add private notes concerning the project, and work on our automations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we know the way HoneyBook\u2019s client portal operates and what it\u2019s made of, let\u2019s dig into its imperfections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, HoneyBook\u2019s client portal is \u201cperfectly imperfect\u201d. Meaning, considering the fact that this software platform is pretty dang extensive and most of the features perform great, it gets the pass to leave its client portal unpolished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It definitely serves its basic purpose of sharing files, checking on the project\u2019s details, or completing payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But should you dig deeper or require something a bit more sophisticated, you may end up feeling disappointed by some of the more nuanced issues it comes with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already mentioned that HoneyBook\u2019s client portal focuses on projects. It means that to have a client portal available and running for your clients, you have to have an actual project added and connected with them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That comes as no surprise since this is a project management software, so everything here revolves around projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And HoneyBook\u2019s projects are great. We love the customizable pipeline for simple overview, the fact that everything of essence is at hand\u2019s reach: the smart files, the time tracking, the tasks, and notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But creeping through the slightly opened door are the limitations we\u2019ve mentioned at the beginning of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The one thing you will always have to keep in the back of your mind is that your clients will see everything that happens in the Projects view, except for the private section visible only to you. And because you use that same space to manage your project, you have to make sure that the things that are visible to clients are staying appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication with clients is unfortunately the biggest and the most painful needle in the HoneyBook\u2019s client portal heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s not because it\u2019s email-based. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s because it\u2019s poorly executed, or at least seems rough-edged for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HoneyBook allows us to communicate with our clients and vice versa through the client portal, aka the project section, using something that\u2019s both chat-like and email-like, forming something we\u2019ll call email messages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The email messages come with quite a few flaws. For one, we can\u2019t delete any messages<\/strong> that have already been sent, meaning, the longer our project conversations, the longer we\u2019ll have to scroll through the project page, because it does not fold. Not to mention the fact that once again, we\u2019ll have to stay cautious of what we do and say in that shared space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For two, HoneyBook allows us to respond only to the latest email thread or create a new one. But should we decide to create a new thread, the recent one will no longer be available for us or our clients to reply in, which can get messy real quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s one thing to hate back-and-forth emails<\/a>, it\u2019s a completely another issue to create a thousand threads that could have been one string of messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, while we have to give HoneyBook a pat on the back for trying to include the client communication in the client portal, we can\u2019t get past these imperfections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we must say we\u2019d rather recommend sticking to email or moving your client communication elsewhere to keep things clear, if you\u2019re about to be using HoneyBook\u2019s client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve mentioned that HoneyBook\u2019s client portal makes it possible for your clients to complete payments relating to the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And with that we hit the biggest wall in HoneyBook. A wall not many can simply jump over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HoneyBook decided to walk past PayPal, Stripe, or even Square, and introduce their own payment solution instead. This solution, however, is only available for the chosen ones operating from either the US or Canada<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if your business is not operating through either of those two countries, you\u2019re going to have to stay on the hunt for an alternative client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, the geographical limits do not apply to your clients. Those that do operate their business from the US or Canada can serve clients from all around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having reviewed HoneyBook\u2019s client portal feature front and back, let\u2019s now take a look at the last crucial factor \u2014 money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some software solutions offering a client portal functionality take pride in gatekeeping this feature in the highest-pricing plan<\/a>. Fortunately, HoneyBook is not like the other software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HoneyBook offers the client portal feature right from its Starter plan<\/strong>, which you can get for $19 per month when paying monthly, or $16 per month, when paying annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, let\u2019s not forget that HoneyBook is the queen of discounts. Perpetual discounts, even.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time of writing this article, we have the option to sign up to HoneyBook and pay just $1 for 2 months of using it, on any plan selected on monthly billing, as well as the option to purchase any of the plans for 50% off when choosing annual billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to dive into HoneyBook\u2019s pricing in depth and figure out the exact prices and differences between the three HoneyBook subscription plans, we encourage you to read our HoneyBook pricing<\/a> analysis where we go all out on this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve read any of our previous articles, you may be wondering if we\u2019re okay. How come we\u2019d write such a short article?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As much as we appreciate the cohesiveness of HoneyBook\u2019s client portal thanks to merging project management directly with that function, ultimately it\u2019s what\u2019s making this feature limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if project management is not entirely your thing, and you dream of a client portal that combines efficient client communication, submitting and managing requests, purchasing services, payments, and basic features, like file sharing, it may be Zendo<\/a> that you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like HoneyBook, Zendo is not just a client portal software<\/a>. But instead of focusing on project management, Zendo went in the direction of service selling<\/strong>, easing the process of productization<\/a>, creating a subscription-based offer, and untangling the intricacies of custom services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All while giving your clients the space to check up on their latest orders and requests, chat with your team, download and share files, make new orders and requests, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the best part is that Zendo comes with a free forever plan<\/a>, obstructing testing it from any limitations, but also allowing you to use its most essential features, including the client portal, completely for free. \ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you may be wondering, in what way is Zendo\u2019s client portal better than that of HoneyBook?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, we have a few reasons in mind. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides a free forever plan, which makes Zendo a very alluring option, this software comes with quite some benefits thanks to its unconventional take on client portals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zendo is a modern solution, having entered the market just nearing the end of 2021, which is very much visible in its modern UI, making it extremely intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, the novelty is also visible in its approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hands down, the best part about Zendo\u2019s client portal is how easy the client communication gets<\/strong>. Thanks to introducing a fully functional real-time chat instead of sticking to emails, you get to answer your clients questions and requests in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the chat is so much more than messaging your clients, it\u2019s also the one place you\u2019ll be using to share files or deliver your work, send out quotes when needed, talk privately with your team, or change the order\u2019s or project\u2019s status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In turn, your clients get a transparent client portal<\/strong> with personal dashboards, the possibility to easily complete payments, subscribe to your services and maintain their subscription automatically, submit requests, orders, and, most importantly, always feel in touch with you & your team, all on top of the real-time chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the best and most functional chat for client communication won\u2019t save you if you don\u2019t have the right selling processes<\/a> set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what consists of your offer, custom<\/strong>, productized<\/strong>, mixed<\/strong>, or even subscription-based services<\/strong>, Zendo gives you the right tools to set your services up and sell them effortlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With different types of services, a customizable Service Catalog with checkout included, order forms, add-ons, discounts, and descriptions, you\u2019ll be on your way to create an offer of your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you already have that offer set up and running, you can easily recreate it in Zendo to combine the perfect customer experience<\/a> with next-level sales, or simply add a proper checkout to what you already have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like you would collect all three deathly hallows in the wizarding world, you can become the Master of Sales, while your clients stay satisfied under your reign, ordering new services, submitting requests, talking with your team, and managing their orders easily, self-serving where they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because HoneyBook<\/a> sets the bar for most of its functionalities so high, we perceive it as a near-perfect solution. This leads us to think that its client portal will be yet another hit from this software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when it turns out to not be a near-perfect option, well, first we go into a shock coma, and then start to think of it negatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But HoneyBook\u2019s client portal, when compared to solutions from similar software, such as Dubsado<\/a>, Tave<\/a>, or 17Hats<\/a>, is much better. It\u2019s much more modern, it gives us a cohesive experience, connecting the client portal with projects, it tries to include client communication, and it does include payments & and the possibility to create a custom payment schedule for each of our invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re absolutely not saying that HoneyBook\u2019s client portal is bad, especially when compared with others. But the flaws in this one are still there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difficulties in communication, the required cautiousness, or even the scarce customization options, are making us much more prone to recommend Zendo\u2019s client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, as long as you\u2019re more focused on service selling<\/strong>, rather than project management. With this software, your clients get personal dashboards, a real-time chat for communication, a Service Catalog for making new orders, subscriptions, requests, statuses, payments, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if working on a project-to-project basis<\/strong> is your thing, and you don\u2019t mind sticking to email-based client communication, well, then HoneyBook will definitely be a good client portal choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\t\tDiscussing The Ideal <\/strong>Client Portal<\/strong> Solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Does <\/strong>HoneyBook Client Portal<\/strong> Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Integrate It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What About Customization?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Customizing](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-1-1024x498.png\")
The Tabs: Covering Essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"HoneyBook](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-2-853x1024.png\")
The Issues: Cautiousness & Limitations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Starting From The Base: Projects<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"HoneyBook's](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-3-1024x591.png\")
Communication<\/strong>: The Caution Loop<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-4-300x234.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"HoneyBook's](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-5.png\")
Payments & Geographical Limitations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
HoneyBook\u2019s <\/strong>Client Portal<\/strong> Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HoneyBook Client Portal<\/strong> Alternative: Zendo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"HoneyBook's](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-6-1024x495.png\")
Zendo\u2019s Client Portal: The Benefits<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Real-Time Chat & A Transparent Client Portal<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Zendo's](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-7-1024x503.png\")
Productization & Subscriptions<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Example](\"https:\/\/getzendo.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HONEYBOOK-CLIENT-PORTAL-8-906x1024.png\")
HoneyBook Client Portal<\/strong>: The Dream Of The Silent Project-To-Project World <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n