Do you have a CRM (client relationship management) for your small business? I am obsessed with Dubsado, my CRM of choice, and I’m going to let you in on all the magic this little platform is capable of!
There are several CRMs out there—Dubsado, 17 Hats, and Honey Book, to name a few—but Dubsado (click here) is my favorite. Why do I love Dubsado so much? I have 7 reasons this CRM tool has transformed my business.
When you start working with several clients, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with contracts, proposals, invoices, and more. Dubsado frees up your brain to focus on creative tasks by keeping all of your paperwork and logistics beautifully organized.
Instead of giving you a limited number of days to trial the system, Dubsado gives you an unlimited time trial. You can use the system for free for up to three clients. This lets you see how it works, from proposal through follow-up after a project is complete.
With Dubsado’s workflows, you can automate your business processes and save yourself a ton of time. Create a branded contact form to embed on your website, and set up an automated email that is triggered and sent whenever someone submits it. You can reach out to clients in your sleep! And if you ever hire help for your business, it’s so easy to show a new person exactly how you run your operations within Dubsado.
I’ve had to reach out to Dubsado for operating questions and billing questions, and every time they treat me like an actual human. They are so kind, helpful, and responsive.
It requires a little upfront work, but you can upload your hex codes for your business colors, email, and logo to customize every form you send fully. Dubsado keeps your branding consistent and professional, so customers will recognize your brand!
Dubsado has a steep learning curve. There’s no way around it. Because the platform is so popular, there are many VAs (virtual assistants) who specialize in Dubsado setups. You can invest in a professional’s help to customize your branding, schedule your workflows, and teach you how to use the different elements.
Not sure what a contract or proposal should look like? Dubsado offers a library of free templates to get you started! You can customize their forms to fit your specific needs without starting from scratch or paying for a pricey template. I’ll be honest, when I first started using Dubsado, I was pretty intimidated. I knew it had great features, but it was hard to know where to start. Even now, I’m learning new ways to use and optimize it! When you’re just getting started, you probably don’t need to invest in a CRM. But I recommend you begin working with one before things get busy. It’s shocking how quickly the invoices, contracts, and proposals can pile up! If you need more convincing that Dubsado is worth it (P.S. they let you pay in monthly installments or annually… and you can use my link to sign up today! Just think of how much easier it will make the tax process. When you’re an official, legitimate business, you must track every invoice and have detailed information on all of your transactions. Dubsado makes it so easy! At the end of the day, if you want to be successful and know where all of your documents are, you need to invest in Dubsado
28: HoneyBook vs. Dubsado: Which CRM Is Right for Your Business?

Hi! I’m Dolly DeLong—a Nashville-based family photographer turned systems + marketing educator and Fractional CMO for family photographers and solo business owners. After years of juggling motherhood, running a thriving family photography business, and helping other creatives behind the scenes with their launches and marketing, I realized something: the backend matters just as much as your booking calendar.
Now, I serve two kinds of faith-driven creatives:
Family photographers who want to stop ghosting their audience and finally stay consistent with Instagram + email marketing.
Solo business owners (sometimes family photographers) who have a digital offer they want to launch, but feel completely overwhelmed by the pre-launch phase and the marketing phases.
Through my weekly podcast, YouTube channel, and blog, I offer strategic (but doable) content on systems, workflows, launch planning, and consistent marketing rhythms that won’t burn you out.
I’m here to help you stop duct-taping your backend together and instead build systems that support your life and values—whether you’re marketing mini sessions or launching a digital course.
When I’m not strategizing a launch calendar or batch recording content during nap time, you can find me photographing families in and around Nashville, watching reruns of Survivor, eating something sweet, or walking with a podcast in my ears. (Yes, I’m that girl.)
Are you Ready to finally market with intention and launch with clarity?
Let’s get started because you don’t have to do this alone.
👉 Work with me to plan out your launch
👉 If you are a family photographer needing marketing help, click here
more on me • more on me
More about dolly
Hi, I’m Dolly — a family photographer, marketing strategist, and systems & workflow educator for family photographers who want to find joy (and order) in their business again. Because I still work behind the camera, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the backend of a creative business can feel.
With my launch-strategist brain and a deep love for simple systems, I help photographers build intentional marketing rhythms and workflows that make it easier to show up consistently, attract the right clients, and actually enjoy running (and marketing) their business.
Through my blog, podcast, and YouTube education, I share actionable steps, real talk, and encouragement — all rooted in faith and intention — to help you bring clarity and confidence to your marketing and everyday systems. Because sustainable growth isn’t built on hustle or speed, but on thoughtful planning, consistency, and care.
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This training covers the elements you should include in your photography business contact form.
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Access my exact checklist I use to create my mini sessions every year in Dubsado
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These evergreen posts build confident & consistent marketing
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