Top 5 Indy Alternatives in 2024

Indy is a CRM solution used by freelancers and independent business owners to centralize their creator business operations. This article will explore Indy's invoicing features and offer alternatives for online creators seeking efficient invoicing solutions.

What is Indy?

Indy is a CRM platform designed for freelancers and independent business owners to manage their operations efficiently. It offers unique features like Project Portals for collaborative workspaces, a Calendar for scheduling, and a simple editor for Contracts. Users can also store and track Files, create Forms for leads, generate Invoices quickly, and manage Tasks. Additionally, Indy integrates with tools like Zapier and Google Calendar to enhance workflows.

What to Consider When Selecting a Indy Alternative?

1. Feature Set: Look for platforms that offer a comprehensive suite of tools, including invoicing, contracts, project management, and time tracking. This ensures you can manage all aspects of your business from one place.
2. Ease of Use: The platform should have an intuitive interface that simplifies tasks like creating invoices and tracking payments. A user-friendly design can save you time and reduce the learning curve.
3. Integration Capabilities: Ensure the platform integrates with other tools you use, such as payment processors, calendars, and accounting software. This can streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the pricing plans and features offered. Look for platforms that provide good value for money, with essential features included in lower-tier plans.
5. Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial. Check if the platform offers multiple support channels like email, chat, or phone, and has a comprehensive FAQ section to help you resolve issues quickly.

Best Alternatives to Indy

1. Beacons

Beacons is an all-in-one creator platform that empowers over 5 million creators, including Green Day, Sia, Jeremy Lin, and Jack in the Box, to manage their business and audience all in one place. With a full stack of tools, creators can send emails to fans, secure brand deals, and even handle invoicing seamlessly. The platform's AI-powered features and customizable link-in-bio make it easier than ever to engage with fans and grow your brand.

Pros of Using Beacons

Beacons offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for creators looking to streamline their operations and maximize their online presence. Here are some of the key advantages:

• All-in-One Platform: Beacons combines multiple tools into a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions. This integration simplifies management and ensures that all your essential tools are available in one place.
• Cost Savings: Beacons is price competitive and even offers a free tier. By consolidating various functionalities like link-in-bio customization, email marketing, and invoicing, Beacons helps you save money that would otherwise be spent on multiple separate tools.
• Data Syncing: Beacons automatically syncs data across its tools, providing better insights and saving you time. This seamless integration ensures that your data is always up-to-date, allowing you to make informed decisions without the hassle of manual data entry.

For more information, visit Beacons.

Pricing

Beacons offers a range of pricing packages to suit different needs and budgets. Here are the available plans:

• Free Plan: $0 (Free forever)
• Creator Pro: $8.33 per month (billed annually) or $10 per month (billed monthly)
• Store Pro: $25 per month (billed annually) or $30 per month (billed monthly)
• Business Pro: $75 per month (billed annually) or $90 per month (billed monthly)

Reviews

Beacons has received an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews. Users praise the platform for its comprehensive tools, ease of use, and focus on creators and community. Many highlight its effectiveness in managing creator businesses and its enjoyable user experience. For more details, visit the Beacons Reviews page.

Who Should Use Beacons?

Beacons targets creators who need to centralize their business operations, including influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Beyond invoicing, Beacons offers features like email marketing, brand deal management, and customizable link-in-bio tools, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their online presence and engage with their audience effectively.

2. Lili

Lili offers invoicing software for online content creators. Users can create, send, and track invoices, and generate secure payment links to get paid faster.

Pros of Using Lili

Lili offers unique features that make it a standout choice for online content creators. Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

• Automated Tax Savings: Lili's platform automatically sets aside a portion of your income for taxes, helping you avoid surprises during tax season and ensuring you're always prepared.
• Real-Time Expense Management: With instant transaction categorization and real-time alerts, you can keep track of your spending effortlessly, making financial management a breeze.
• High-Yield Savings Account: Earn more on your savings with Lili's high-yield account offering 3.65% APY, allowing you to grow your funds faster while managing your business finances.

Cons of Using Lili

• Limited Features on Basic Plan: Users on the Basic plan miss out on advanced features available to Pro, Smart, and Premium account holders. This can be a drawback for those who need more comprehensive tools but are not ready to upgrade.
• Reporting Functionality Needs Improvement: According to user feedback, Lili's reporting features are not as robust as some users would like. This can make it challenging to get detailed insights into financial data.
• Eligibility for Certain Features: Some features, such as discretionary overdraft limits, require accounts to remain in good standing. This can be restrictive for users who may occasionally face account management issues.

Pricing

Lili offers a range of pricing packages to cater to different business needs. Here are the available plans:

• Lili Premium: $33 per month (Was $55 per month, 40% off for 3 months)
• Lili Smart: $21 per month (Was $35 per month, 40% off for 3 months)
• Lili Pro: $9 per month (Was $15 per month, 40% off for 3 months)
• Lili Basic: $0 per month

Reviews

Lili has received a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on user reviews. Generally, users appreciate Lili for its invoicing features, mobile app, and low fees, though some feel the reporting functionality could be improved. For more details, visit the Lili Reviews page.

3. Able

Able is a financial tool for freelancers, independent contractors, and creatives. It automates savings, performs real-time tax calculations, and keeps records to ensure users are prepared for tax time without financial surprises.

Pros of Using Able

Automated Savings: Able automatically sets aside a portion of your income for taxes, ensuring you're always prepared without having to think about it.

Real-Time Tax Calculations: Able provides real-time tax calculations based on your income, so you always know where you stand and can avoid any surprises.

Customizable Savings Options: Choose how much to save and whether to do it automatically or with confirmation via text, giving you control over your finances.

Cons of Using Able

• Unauthorized Charges: Multiple users have reported unauthorized charges on their accounts, which can be a significant concern for anyone considering using Able. These unexpected deductions can lead to financial stress and distrust in the platform.
• Poor Customer Service: Users have expressed frustration with Able's customer service, citing difficulties in obtaining refunds and resolving issues. This lack of support can be particularly problematic when dealing with financial matters.
• Misleading Trial Offers: Some users have found Able's trial offers to be misleading, resulting in unexpected charges. This can create a negative experience for new users who feel deceived by the initial terms and conditions.

Pricing

Able offers a range of pricing packages to cater to different needs and budgets. Here are the available plans:

• Basic Plan: $0 per month
• Pro Plan: $10 per month
• Premium Plan: $20 per month

Reviews

Able has received an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on customer reviews.

Generally, users have mixed feelings about Able, with some praising the app for its helpful health and weight loss features, while others criticize it for billing issues and poor customer service. For more details, visit the Able Reviews on Trustpilot page.

4. Archie

Archie is a platform that simplifies invoicing for online content creators. It offers tools for creating, receiving, approving, or declining invoices, and provides a centralized dashboard for tracking all invoice activities.

Pros of using Archie

Archie offers several unique features that make it a standout choice for online content creators. Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

• Customizable Approval Workflows: Tailor the approval process to fit your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient accounts payable experience.
• Flexible Invoice Settings: Set payment terms at different levels, whether for freelancers, projects, or the entire company, giving you the flexibility to manage payments your way.
• Real-Time Approval/Decline Mechanism: Approve or decline invoices directly within the platform and provide automatic feedback, streamlining communication and reducing delays.

Cons of Using Archie

Limited Customization Options: While Archie offers flexible invoice settings, some users have found that the platform lacks deeper customization options for more complex invoicing needs. This can be a drawback for businesses with unique requirements.

Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly interface, new users may experience a learning curve when navigating Archie's various features. This can lead to initial inefficiencies as users adapt to the platform.

• Limited Customization Options
• Learning Curve

Pricing

Archie offers a range of pricing packages to cater to different business needs. Here are the available plans:

• Basic Plan: $0 per month
• Pro Plan: $10 per month
• Premium Plan: $20 per month

Reviews

Archie has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on user reviews. Generally, people are praising Archie for significantly reducing the time spent on financial tasks and streamlining accounting processes. For more details, visit the Archie Reviews page.

5. Honeybook

HoneyBook is a clientflow management platform for independent businesses. It allows users to create and send invoices, process payments, and manage contracts and scheduling.

Pros of Using Honeybook

HoneyBook offers several unique features that make it a standout choice for independent businesses. Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

• Customizable, Interactive Proposals: Impress your clients with beautifully designed, interactive proposals that can be tailored to fit your brand. This feature not only enhances your professional image but also makes it easier for clients to understand and accept your services.
• Powerful AI & Automations: Save time and reduce manual tasks with HoneyBook's AI-powered automations. From sending follow-up emails to managing project timelines, these automations help streamline your workflow and keep everything running smoothly.
• Seamless Integrations: HoneyBook integrates with popular tools like Google Contacts, QuickBooks, Zoom, and more. This ensures that all your essential business tools work together seamlessly, enhancing your efficiency and productivity.

Cons of Using Honeybook

• Missing Features: Users have reported that HoneyBook lacks certain features that are essential for their business operations. This can be a significant drawback for those who need a more comprehensive toolset.
• Difficult Customization: Customizing HoneyBook to fit specific business needs can be challenging. Users have found the platform's customization options to be limited and not as intuitive as they would like.
• Payment Issues: Some users have experienced problems with the payment processing features of HoneyBook. These issues can lead to delays and complications in receiving payments, which can be frustrating for both the business and its clients.

Pricing

HoneyBook offers a range of pricing packages to cater to different business needs. Here are the available plans:

• Starter: $16 per month (billed yearly)
• Essentials: $32 per month (billed yearly)
• Premium: $66 per month (billed yearly)

Reviews

HoneyBook has received an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on user reviews. Generally, users appreciate the platform's ease of use, centralized management of contracts, invoices, and payments, but some have noted the need for more customization options and improvements in certain features. For more details, visit the HoneyBook Reviews & Product Details page.

Which One Should You Go With?

Each invoicing platform we've discussed offers unique benefits tailored to the needs of online content creators. However, if you're looking to centralize your business operations with a robust invoicing tool, we recommend Beacons. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, Beacons stands out as an excellent choice for managing your invoicing needs efficiently.