HoneyBook, a prominent AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) platform, has announced a significant expansion of its offerings specifically tailored for the photography community. The update introduces a suite of features designed to consolidate various aspects of a photographer's client journey into a single, integrated platform.
Among the key additions are CRM-native client photo galleries, allowing photographers to deliver branded photo and video galleries without needing separate external tools. This feature, available at no extra cost for existing HoneyBook subscribers, also includes unlimited storage for those on premium plans. The aim is to simplify the post-shoot delivery process and enhance the overall client experience.
Another significant new tool is the dedicated booking experience for 'mini-sessions'. These popular short, themed photo shoots, such as holiday or spring portraits, can now be managed entirely within HoneyBook. Clients can book their preferred time slot, sign contracts, and complete payments through a unified process, streamlining what was often a multi-step booking system.
Further enhancing client communication, HoneyBook is introducing two-way SMS. This feature provides photographers with a dedicated business phone number, routing all SMS chats directly into their HoneyBook projects. Accessible from both desktop and mobile, with push notifications, it enables photographers to send 'smart files' or messages via text and automate key communications. While Client Photo Galleries and Mini Sessions are immediately included in existing subscriptions, the two-way SMS will be available soon as a paid add-on.
These new functionalities complement HoneyBook's existing tools for photographers, which include 'Tap to Pay' – allowing iPhones to function as card readers for in-person payments – and an AI-powered 'Automations Builder'. The Automations Builder assists in managing client communication throughout a project's lifecycle, from initial enquiries to post-delivery follow-ups, by triggering automated emails and reminders.
Oz Alon, CEO and co-founder of HoneyBook, emphasised that these developments are a direct response to feedback from photographers, many of whom previously juggled separate CRMs, gallery tools, scheduling apps, and personal phones for client interactions. The consolidation aims to reduce complexity, allowing photographers to dedicate more time to their creative work and client relationships.