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One of the biggest lifesavers since going into business full-time has been creating automation within a client management system. Simple things like payment reminders mean I can spend more time doing the work I love and less time chasing down payments. Or getting contracts signed, or asking for testimonials, or you get the idea. The more things in my business that I systematize, the more I free up my time. Which is why the Dubsado code block feature has become my secret weapon for personalizing my business systems.
Introducing my favorite small business tool: Dubsado
I love Dubsado (*affliliate link – get 20% off when you sign up!*) because they have fantastic workflow automation, it’s beautifully branded, super customizable, and this small family business KNOWS how to take care of its people. Christian and I interviewed the founders, Becca + Jake Berg, on our podcast. Listen in if you want to learn more about who they are as a couple + their philosophy behind couplepreneurship. Interacting with this company has changed the way I do things at Evergreen Lane!
But the important thing I’ve learned about systemization and automation is that it’s still necessary to make every client feel appreciated personally. Because they ARE, even if I’ve had to set boundaries with my inbox! Thankfully, my CRM of choice, Dubsado has an excellent feature that allows me to personalize my systems so that my clients have an amazing experience working with my business. That tool? The code block within questionnaires.
How I use Dubsado Code Block: Embedding Video Content to Create an Immediate and Personalized Presence
Thanks to the little code block feature, I can create videos for my clients and embed them directly into my forms and questionnaires. Dubsado can then automatically send these forms using the workflow feature. Once you discover this tool, the possibilities are endless. It means you can show up personally in your client’s inbox essentially on-demand – whether or not you happen to be at your desk. Here are a few ways you could incorporate video into your client management workflow:
- Create a video explaining your process, who you like to work with and what your projects look like. Embed this at the top of a proposal instead of (or alongside) an FAQ.
- Film an instructional video for your client that they receive after paying the invoice. Make sure it adds value to your service! Since I am a video editor, all my clients get access to an exclusive video library of tutorials on everything from using their iPhone to take video to how to feel more confident showing up on video. I created a template questionnaire in Dubsado and add it to their client portal at the start of a new project.
- If you’re a designer or someone whose process includes rounds of revisions, you could record a quick video explaining your thought process behind the design decisions. This is especially helpful if you’re more of a coffee-chat person than a write-a-novel person.
- Send a custom thank you video at the end of the project, letting your client know how much you enjoyed working with them.
Now, when your automations roll out to your clients, you’ll have infused your personality into every project.
How to Embed Videos into your Workflow Using Dubsado Code Block
So how do you prepare your videos to be embedded into your CRM? Here’s my straightforward system:
- After I create my video, I upload it to Vimeo and choose the privacy option: “Hide from Vimeo.” This setting means it won’t show up on my profile or be accessible publicly – only where I embed it.
- Once uploaded, I copy the embed code from the paper airplane icon at the top right of the video (the share button). I typically uncheck the title + byline options to keep things clean.
- Within Dubsado, I add a code block to the form where I want to embed the video. Then, paste the embed code within the code block.
Voila! Now you have custom videos built into your Dubsado automations.
Since I’m all about keeping things simple, there’s no need to use video in every single of your client process. However, a few select upgrades will make a big difference. The most important thing is what works best for you AND your dream clients. Test, test, test to see what works best and what your people resonate most with. The more you can make your automations feel like they were created just for your client, the more meaningful and fruitful your connection will be.
If you’re interested in trying Dubsado, use the code “evergreenlane” for 20% off your first purchase! Full disclosure: I will get a small referral fee with this code.