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Bloom vs Dubsado CRM for creatives: Comparison breakdown and review

Choosing the right client management software can make or break your creative business, significantly impacting your workflow, productivity, and client satisfaction. For online creatives, two popular options stand out: Bloom and Dubsado, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can help you make an informed decision.


Whether you're a seasoned user looking for a change or a newbie trying to decide which platform suits you best, navigating through options like Bloom and Dubsado can be overwhelming. As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes client relationships, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide the best fit.



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Bloom vs Dubsado | Best CRM for creatives: Full comparison breakdown



A tabular graphic explaining full comparison and breakdown for Bloom vs Dubsado - CRM for creatives


1. User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)

Bloom and Dubsado differ markedly in their user interface and user experience design.

  • Bloom boasts a modern, visually appealing design. Its updated aesthetic feels fresh and luxurious, making it a pleasure to use for both you and your clients.

  • Dubsado, on the other hand, has a more utilitarian look, reminiscent of early 2000s design trends. While functional, it doesn't offer the same visual appeal as Bloom.



If you've ever used Dubsado, transitioning to Bloom will be a breeze thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly interface.


2. Projects

Dubsado organizes new leads and paid projects into different sections, allowing you to view them along with their current status. Bloom simplifies this by having dedicated spaces for new leads and paid projects. However, Bloom offers fewer features and customization options compared to Dubsado, making it easier to navigate but potentially less powerful for complex needs.



3. Forms

The form types in Bloom and Dubsado are quite similar, yet there are notable differences.

DUBSADO

BLOOM

Lead Capture

Lead Capture

Proposal

Proposal

Contract

Contract

Sub-agreements

-

Questionnaire

Questionnaire

Bloom's forms present one question at a time, making it straightforward. In contrast, Dubsado forms allow for highly branded and customizable forms (if designed well) that can closely match your website's design.


One standout feature in Dubsado is the combined Proposal + Contract + Invoice feature, which streamlines the booking process into a single, instant action.


4. Invoicing, Scheduler, and Calendar

While both Bloom and Dubsado offer similar invoicing, scheduling, and calendar functionalities, Bloom's design is slightly more polished and professional. However, feature-wise, they are 99% identical.


5. Client Portal

Client portals are a crucial aspect for any business, providing clients with access to necessary tools and information.

  • Bloom includes digital image delivery and galleries, ideal for designers and visual creatives. It combines the functionalities of Pixieset and Hubspot, offering a rich experience.

  • Dubsado client portal looks more utilitarian, like a post office, but it’s highly functional. Clients can log in, schedule appointments, check recent emails, and complete tasks.




6. Workflows

Workflow automation is an area where Dubsado outshines Bloom.

  • Bloom offers limited workflow automation, allowing just one automation step at a time. This simplicity can be a double-edged sword: easy to build but not very powerful.

  • Dubsado excels in workflow automation, offering extensive options that can automate more than 80% of your processes within a single workflow.


7. Mobile App

  • Bloom has a beautiful and functional mobile app, perfect for handling small client tasks outside the office.

  • Dubsado currently does not have a mobile app, but one is expected to launch soon, which is a bit of a downside for now.


8. Pricing

Pricing can be a decisive factor:

  • Bloom provides three tiers with pricing that scales based on usage.

  • Dubsado offers two payment options: Basic and Premier, both with flat fees.


9. Integration Compatibility

Both Bloom and Dubsado offer easy integration with websites and social media platforms.

Additionally, white-labeling options allow for a fully customized experience, and Zapier integration expands functionality by connecting with thousands of other tools.


10. Team Collaboration

Bloom allows you to specify permissions for your team members, ensuring they only have access to the features they need. However, both Bloom and Dubsado lack robust team collaboration features, requiring you to rely on external project management tools.


11. Scalability

Bloom requires more manual administrative work, making it suitable for agencies with dedicated resources. Dubsado's extensive automation capabilities make scaling without additional team members feasible, making it ideal for solo entrepreneurs or small teams.


12. Customer Support Quality

Both platforms offer responsive customer support, with Dubsado providing extensive tutorials and case studies on YouTube. Bloom offers dedicated tutorials to help you get started quickly.


13. Support and Community

Support and community can make a significant difference in your experience with a CRM.

  • Bloom's community is relatively small and inactive, with only 894 members as of June 2024.

  • Dubsado has a vibrant and supportive Facebook community of over 28,000 members. A larger, more active community means quicker answers and a wider range of ideas and perspectives.


14. Additional Features

  • Bloom offers live chat messenger functionality and website portfolio creation, catering to the needs of freelancers.

  • Dubsado offers less popular time tracking options and automated invoicing, enhancing productivity for users.


 

Conclusion


If you're an agency with dedicated admin support, Bloom is an excellent choice. Its visual appeal and structured design can enhance your team's productivity and client satisfaction. However, be prepared for a lot of manual work.


For solo entrepreneurs or small teams of 2-3 people, Dubsado is perfect. Its powerful workflow automation can handle most of your admin work, allowing you to focus more on your creative projects. But it comes with a learning curve.


In conclusion, both Bloom and Dubsado have their unique strengths. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and the size of your team. By evaluating these factors, you can choose the platform that will best support your business growth and efficiency.


Was this helpful? Have another Bloom vs Dubsado question? Hit me up on Instagram @thedeeptisaini or email me at deepti.saini@outlook.com




Ready to streamline your creative business with Dubsado, but feeling a tad overwhelmed? Let's tackle it together! Click below to snatch up my services details and book a free, no-obligation discovery call today.



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