If you only have a handful of clients and your existing workflow is super simple, you’re probably managing just fine with spreadsheets, a calendar and maybe some accounting software. But if you’re looking to expand, or maybe you’re already starting to become overwhelmed with an increase in bookings and not enough hours in the day for admin, investing in a robust Business Management tool or CRM is going to be a lifesaver.
Studio Ninja and Dubsado have each carved a niche for themselves in the world of Business Management Systems, offering features specifically designed to time-save for freelancers, entrepreneurs, photographers and small business owners.
Whether you're seeking a backstage pass to photography business management or a versatile tool to suit your diverse small business needs, we've got you covered.
What is Studio Ninja and Dubsado?
Studio Ninja and Dubsado are pretty powerful Business Management Systems, each tailored to different aspects of business management. While Studio Ninja is designed primarily for photographers and studios, Dubsado is a tool suitable for many business sectors.
Studio Ninja:
- A specialised Business Management System and CRM for photographers.
- Streamlines administrative tasks, including leads, bookings, contracts, and payments.
- Emphasises workflow automation, saving you time.
- Offers online booking, lead management, and customisable templates.
- Integrates with Stripe and PayPal for easy payment processing.
Dubsado:
- A versatile CRM, CMS, and Workflow system for diverse businesses.
- Simplifies client, project, and finance management.
- Prioritises user-friendliness and automation.
- Features a client portal for transparency and efficiency.
- Provides customisable form templates (think brochures, client questionnaires etc) and effortless online invoicing.
- Both platforms aim to boost productivity and efficiency, but Studio Ninja caters specifically to photographers, while Dubsado offers a broader solution adaptable to various business needs.
You can find more about Studio Ninja and Dubsado in my dedicated articles:
Studio Ninja - Your Backstage Pass to Streamlined Photography Business Management
Dubsado - A Business Management Tool Built With You In Mind
How Much Are They?
When it comes to pricing, Studio Ninja and Dubsado offer different plans to fit your business needs. Both platforms also offer annual plans with discounted rates.
Studio Ninja:
- Offers a 30-day free trial to get started.
- Monthly pricing starts at £17.90 per month for their Solo Plan.
- The Studio Plan costs £25.90 per month, ideal for small studios.
- Custom pricing available for larger businesses.
- Annual plans available with discounted rates.
Dubsado:
- Provides a free trial for up to 3 clients with access to all features.
- Pricing starts at $20 per month for the Start Plan.
- The Premier Plan is $40 per month, offering the most comprehensive set of tools.
- Annual plans available with discounted rates.
At A Glance – Dubsado vs Studio Ninja
Setting Up
Setting up Studio Ninja and Dubsado involves a straightforward process, but each platform has its unique approach.
Studio Ninja offers a user-friendly onboarding experience, allowing you to quickly input your preferred payment methods, sync your Google Account for Email and Calendar options, create contact forms, and set up packages. The simplicity of Studio Ninja's setup is appealing, particularly for those new to CRM systems.
Dubsado, though, is a much more comprehensive platform that can be a major learning curve for newcomers due to its feature-rich nature. However, it compensates for this with exceptional support and guidance, including live chat, bookable demos, and scheduled calls, ensuring you get started efficiently.
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Customisable Branding
When it comes to branding and personalisation, both Studio Ninja and Dubsado offer options to align the platform with your branding… But one is notably more restrictive.
Studio Ninja allows you to upload logos, amend colour palettes, and match fonts to create a cohesive and professional look. While Studio Ninja provides some branding flexibility, Dubsado takes it a step further.
With Dubsado, you can fully customise form templates, automated responses, colour palettes, and client-facing documents, ensuring that every interaction aligns seamlessly with your brand. This high level of customisation can help you create a more consistent and memorable client experience.
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Integrations
When it comes to integrations, both Studio Ninja and Dubsado offer options to streamline your workflow, but there's a noticeable difference in their approach.
Studio Ninja provides a range of integrations designed to enhance your business operations, seamlessly connecting with Pic-Time, Gmail and Google Calendar, accounting software such as Xero and Quickbooks, along with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe. These integrations work together cohesively, allowing you to sync invoices, payments, emails, events, and galleries just the way you've always done.
Dubsado takes integration to the next level with a wide array of compatible third-party applications. It plays well with Zapier, Xero, and popular client gallery and email marketing services, offering extensive flexibility in creating customised workflows tailored to your unique business needs.
Dubsado's dedication to integration versatility makes it a standout choice for photographers and small business owners who are already set up on other apps and platforms, but looking to bring everything together for ease.
Dubsado vs Studio Ninja: Who wins?
In the end, the real winner of Dubsado vs Studio Ninja is: you. Regardless of which you choose, the right CRM can take your photography business to new heights, helping you maintain a level of sanity that manual management often cannot – it's simply too much to juggle when things get busy… Trust us!
Both Studio Ninja and Dubsado are super powerful tools, but the right choice is dependent entirely on your business’ needs. Studio Ninja excels as a specialised solution for photographers, offering a seamless experience with features tailored to their industry. On the other hand, Dubsado's versatility and visuals shines, providing a comprehensive solution adaptable to various businesses and their workflow.
Studio Ninja's simplicity may better suit those new to CRM systems, while Dubsado's robust capabilities and extensive integrations can cater to seasoned entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and uplift their client experience.
No matter which you choose, you can be sure to look forward to a more streamlined process and, hopefully, more free time for you to focus on growing your awesome business (or enjoying a Monday lie-in!).
If you're still unsure, or simply don't have the time to get your system set-up - get in touch. We can review your current tools and processes and help you decide which system is right for your business. We'll even be on hand if you need us to set it up for you.
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