The Role of Dubsado in my Business
When first starting out, I knew I wanted to craft an experience that would be simple and efficient for my clients - nothing about the process should be a burden to them and it should be fun! Because of that I knew I would need some sort of system that helped me make this happen and thankfully was told about Dubsado!
Dubsado is my client management software that manages everything from lead forms, customer information, design proofs, invoicing, and more. I use it every single day in my business and am so thankful for all of the functions it provides. I'm detailing some of my favorite features below and ways you can use Dubsado in your own business!
1 | Lead Forms
Lead forms are the forms on my website that potential clients fill out when they are interested in working with me. I have a couple of these forms on my site depending on whether the client is inquiring about wedding invitations or other custom stationery. These forms are generated through Dubsado and embedded on my website which I absolutely love so that my clients don't have to navigate away from my site. Once a potential client fills out the lead form I get a notification so that I can follow up and provide them with further information!
2 | Proposals
Dubsado has so many great proposal features and options. When I send a client a quote, it is actually through a form called a proposal. This allows them to see their quote as well as add any additional items to their invoice if they choose! Sometimes I'll even add the questionnaire for custom stationery to the bottom of the proposal so they can go ahead and add all of their details. I don't do this for custom wedding clients though because there is so much detail that goes into the wording. If a client has any changes from their initial inquiry I can easily update the proposal and resend so that they are ready to sign the contract and pay their first invoice.
3 | Contracts
My custom stationery contract is housed in Dubsado and can easily be sent and signed electronically by both my client and myself. Having the ability for clients to electronically sign is so beneficial and certainly hassle-free. Having a contract is very important because it protects you as a business owner, as well as your client, because you both know the expectations up front!
4 | Invoices
Dubsado also has the ability to invoice clients so it really is a one-stop shop for your client onboarding! I require a 50% retainer of my clients before beginning design work and there are payment schedules that I can set up to ensure that happens. Through the proposal process, the invoice updates based on the packages and items that my clients choose. I don't have to even manually update the invoice! And speaking of automation, once a client submits the proposal, they are directly taken to the contract and then on to the first invoice, all without me doing anything! It takes some time to set it all up, but it is certainly worth it when the process then happens without you doing a thing!
5 | Client Design Proofs
One of my very favorite aspects of Dubsado is the ability to send my clients their design proofs through forms that allow them to provide feedback easily and succinctly. I upload mockups of their designs and then include questions about what they love and what they would like to see changed, along with any clarifying questions and confirming all information is correct. This is so much easier than communicating through email because I can go back and look at each form, as can my client through their client portal. We go through several rounds of design proofs to get everything just right and then I have the client sign off on the final version through a sub-contract so that we are ready to print!
There are also features like setting up automatic workflows based on certain actions to further automate the process, as well as scheduling features to make sure you are managing your time well! Another helpful feature is their knowledge base where there are tons of guides and videos to help you understand all of the capabilities.
If you want to give it a try you can get 20% off your first month or year with code ivyandlinendesign or follow this link!
I can't wait to hear about how you use Dubsado! I think you are going to love it!!
*note this post contains affiliate links that may generate a small amount of income for Ivy + Linen Design Co., but at no extra cost to you of course!
