When I first opened Dubsado, it felt a bit like assembling a puzzle without the box lid to guide me. There were so many possibilities, but I didn’t know which pieces to put together first. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! That’s why I always recommend starting with the essential forms. These will not only help you get organized but also create an incredible client experience from day one.

1️⃣ Proposals: Your First Impression

Your proposal isn’t just a list of services—it’s a statement. This is your chance to wow potential clients, showcase your offerings, and make it effortless for them to say “yes.” The best proposals combine clear details with eye-catching design and a built-in approval button.

How to Stand Out:

Use visuals like mockups, testimonials, and even branded headers to make your proposal feel like an extension of your business. And don’t forget to integrate a contract and invoice so clients can sign, seal, and pay in one smooth step.

2️⃣ Contracts: Protect Your Business

A contract is where you lay the groundwork for a successful client relationship. This is where expectations, deliverables, and payment terms are spelled out clearly, so there’s no room for confusion.

Pro Tip:

Take advantage of Dubsado’s smart fields to automatically fill in client names, project details, and dates. It’ll save you from copying and pasting—and reduce errors!

3️⃣ Subagreements: The Power of the Fine Print

Not every detail belongs in your main contract. Enter the subagreement: the perfect tool for outlining specific project details, scope changes, or additional services. Subagreements act as a flexible add-on to your main contract and are ideal for one-off tasks or mid-project updates.

Why They’re Game-Changers:

They help you maintain professionalism while keeping everything legally airtight. Plus, they make it easy to add on new services without having to revise your original contract.

4️⃣ Questionnaires: Gather the Essentials

Before you dive into a project, you need to understand your client’s vision and needs. Questionnaires are your go-to for collecting all the necessary details in one place, from wedding timelines to brand preferences or even fun icebreaker questions.

Pro Tip:

Organize your questionnaires with conditional logic to make them shorter and more tailored. For example, if a client selects “branding package,” you can show only the questions relevant to that service.

5️⃣ Lead Capture Form: Your Front Door

Every business needs a way to welcome potential clients, and that’s exactly what a lead capture form does. Embed it on your website to collect inquiries, and watch as Dubsado automatically funnels those leads into your system.

How to Make It Work for You:

Keep it simple! Only ask for the details you need to qualify leads and spark their interest. Pair it with an automated email that introduces your services or includes a link to schedule a discovery call.

Why These Forms Matter

These five forms aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the foundation of a client experience that’s seamless, professional, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your polished proposal or a subagreement that protects your business during a scope change, every form is a step toward running your business like a pro.

If creating these forms sounds like a lot, don’t worry. We’ve got customizable templates that make it easy to build beautiful, functional forms that feel perfectly tailored to your brand. Explore them here.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting with these must-have forms will set you up for success—and make your clients fall in love with how easy you are to work with. Dubsado can feel like a lot, but once you’ve got the essentials in place, it’s all about building from there.

Still have questions? Leave a comment below or check out our Flow Kits for even more support.

Love,
Cait and the Forms & Flows Team