Episode 261

full
Published on:

19th Nov 2025

Dubsado 3.0 First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing

Dubsado 3.0 is officially here… and y’all, the internet is having feelings.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s new, what’s missing, and what photographers actually need to pay attention to. No fluff. No hype. Just the real talk you need before jumping into the new version.

Read the full breakdown here → https://coliejames.com/dubsado-3-0-whats-new/

Work with me inside Systems in Sessionhttps://coliejames.com/systems

Join CRM Blueprinthttps://coliejames.com/blueprint

00:00 — Why everyone is freaking out about Dubsado 3.0

A quick reality check on the rollout, expectations, and why mixed opinions are completely valid.

01:17 — The 3.0 switch + how to go back to 2.0 if you need to

If it’s your busy season, do NOT force the transition.

02:44 — My biggest disappointments (aka: my Dubsado wishlist that still isn’t here)

Contracts on schedulers, conditional logic, project dates + appointments, multi-client emails, and team accounts.

07:28 — What is coming soon

A few features currently in progress that will make life better in the next updates.

09:36 — The rebuild: why 3.0 matters even if features didn’t change

New backend → faster future updates (finally!).

10:28 — Dashboard changes

What’s actually better, what’s hidden, and why Threads users are spiraling over revenue numbers.

14:06 — New Messages area

A real inbox inside Dubsado — finally.

18:06 — The new Flows Builder

Same triggers, new layout, and why this matters for future conditional logic.

19:52 — Time tracking improvements

Helpful update for those who bill hourly.

20:08 — Scheduler availability upgrades

A legitimately great improvement — no more clicking nine to five a million times.

22:54 — Project view struggles

What feels off, what’s improved, and what I hope changes next.

23:44 — Final thoughts + what to do next

Why this update sets the stage for an actually powerful Dubsado… once the features catch up.

Show artwork for Business-First Creatives

About the Podcast

Business-First Creatives
A podcast about systems, workflows, and business advice for creative service providers.
Business-First Creatives is a podcast for photographers and creative service providers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business without drowning in admin work, client experience chaos, or systems that let you down.

This show delivers clear, actionable conversations around marketing, CRM workflows, client communication, Dubsado and Honeybook automation, Airtable systems, and workflow strategies, giving photographers and creative entrepreneurs the systems that scale, operational clarity, and strategic, human-first client experiences they need to build streamlined, referral-worthy business operations that don't require working 24/7.
If you're tired of babysitting your inbox, chasing down contracts, or watching your workflows break the moment you look away, this show will help you move beyond "figuring it out as you go" and toward a creative business that brings you joy and a paycheck.

This podcast provides answers to questions like:
How do I automate my client journey without losing the personal touch?
What CRM workflows do photographers and creative businesses need?
How can I use Dubsado or Honeybook to streamline my client experience?
What systems do photographers need to save time and deliver exceptional client experiences?
How do I reduce admin time in my creative service business?
Why do my workflows keep letting me down (and how do I fix them)?
How can I build a profitable creative business that brings me joy and a paycheck?
What's the best way to communicate with clients throughout their journey?
How do I create systems that work even when I'm not babysitting them?
How can I map my client journey to convert more inquiries into bookings?

Hosted by Colie James, a Dubsado Certified Specialist, Honeybook Educator, and Workflow and Automations Guru with 10+ years helping creatives systemize their businesses—this show delivers practical, no-BS guidance for photographers and creative entrepreneurs who are ready to streamline their client journey, automate their operations, and make money from their craft.

If you're done dropping balls and ready to build a business-first creative operation with systems that scale, you're in the right place.

Find out more about Systems in Session ➡️ https://coliejames.com/systems-in-session