Top 5 July Alternatives in 2024

July is a platform used by creator agencies to centralize operations, including invoicing, media kits, and analytics. It offers tools to speed up brand deals and manage payments efficiently. For creators seeking alternatives, we will explore other options that can help manage their creator business effectively.

What is July?

July is a platform designed for creator agencies and managers, offering tools to streamline talent management and brand collaboration. Unique features include media kits, roster management, and pitch decks. The platform also provides instant access to daily-updating analytics, detailed stats like story views and impressions, and automated campaign reporting. Additionally, July's payment handling and invoicing features ensure efficient financial transactions, helping agencies generate additional revenue.

What to Consider When Selecting a July Alternative?

1. Invoicing Capabilities: Look for platforms that offer seamless invoicing features, allowing you to send invoices and receive payments directly through the platform.
2. Payment Tracking: Ensure the platform provides robust payment tracking, so you can easily monitor the status and history of payments.
3. Automated Tax Calculations: Consider solutions that offer real-time tax calculations to avoid unexpected tax bills and simplify financial management.
4. Integration with Other Tools: Choose platforms that integrate well with other tools you use, such as QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Opt for platforms with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, ensuring that both you and your clients can navigate the invoicing process smoothly.

Best Alternatives to July

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 audience and monetize their content all in one place. With Beacons, creators can send emails to fans, sell products, and secure brand deals through a customizable link-in-bio. The platform also offers a full stack of tools, including media kits, AI brand outreach, and invoicing features, making it easier for creators to streamline their business operations.

Pros of Using Beacons

Beacons offers several advantages for content creators looking to streamline their operations and maximize their online presence. Here are three key benefits:

• All-in-one Platform: Beacons provides a comprehensive suite of tools, including email marketing, an online store, media kits, invoicing, and AI brand outreach. This eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions, allowing creators to manage everything from one place.
• Cost Savings: Beacons is price competitive and even offers a free tier. By consolidating various tools into one platform, users can save money compared to using multiple separate services.
• Data Syncing: The platform automatically syncs data across tools, providing better insights and saving time. This feature reduces the need for manual data entry and helps creators make more informed decisions.

For more information, visit Beacons.

Pricing

Beacons offers a range of pricing packages to suit different needs and budgets:

• 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 overwhelmingly positive reviews, boasting a score of 4.9 out of 5 based on 16 reviews. Users praise the platform for its continuous addition of useful tools, focus on creators, and overall user experience. One user noted, "This is the most useful tool for creators especially when they are starting out." For more insights, visit Beacons Reviews.

Who Should Use Beacons?

Beacons targets content creators, influencers, and small businesses looking to centralize their operations and enhance their online presence. With features beyond invoicing, such as email marketing, online stores, and AI brand outreach, it is particularly beneficial for creators who want to manage multiple aspects of their business from a single platform.

2. Able

Able is a financial tool for freelancers, independent contractors, and creatives. It automates savings, tax calculations, and record-keeping to help users avoid unexpected tax bills.

Pros of Using Able

Able offers several unique features that make it an excellent choice for freelancers, independent contractors, and creatives:

• Automated Savings: Able allows users to automate their savings, choosing who to save from and the percentage to save. This feature can be set to automatic or require text confirmation, making it flexible and user-friendly.
• Real-Time Tax Calculations: Able provides real-time tax calculations based on your income, helping you avoid any surprises when tax season arrives. This ensures you always know where you stand financially.
• Comprehensive Record-Keeping: Able prepares all necessary records and income proof, making it easier for you to manage your finances and be prepared for any financial situation.

Cons of Using Able

• Unauthorized Charges: Many users have reported being charged significant amounts without their consent after signing up for a trial. This has led to frustration and financial strain for some, as they were not expecting these additional costs.
• Poor Customer Service: Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Able's customer service, noting that it is unhelpful and often refuses to issue refunds. This lack of support can be particularly frustrating when dealing with unauthorized charges.
• Difficult Navigation: Some users find the app challenging to navigate and use. This can make it difficult to enter data and fully utilize the app's features, reducing its overall effectiveness.

Pricing

Able offers several pricing packages to cater to the needs of freelancers, independent contractors, and creatives. Here are the available pricing options:

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

Reviews

Able Reviews

Able has an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on customer reviews. Generally, people appreciate the app's helpful features and personalized support but are frustrated with billing issues and poor customer service. For more insights, visit Able Reviews.

3. Archie

Archie is a platform designed to streamline invoicing and payment processes. It offers tools for setting up approvals, flexible invoice settings, creating and receiving invoices, approving or declining invoices, and providing visibility into invoice and payment statuses. The platform centralizes invoices for easy tracking and offers a clear view of upcoming bills and approval flows.

Pros of Using Archie

Archie offers several unique features that make it stand out in the invoicing and payment process landscape:

• Customizable Approval Workflows: Tailor approval processes to fit your specific needs, ensuring a streamlined accounts payable experience.
• Flexible Invoice Settings: Set payment terms at multiple levels, whether for freelancers, projects, or the entire company, to guarantee timely payments.
• Centralized Invoice Tracking: Keep all your invoices in one place with a clear view of their status, reducing the need for follow-up questions and enhancing transparency.

Cons of Using Archie

• Limited Customization: While Archie offers flexible invoice settings, some users find the customization options insufficient for their specific needs. This can be a drawback for businesses with unique invoicing requirements.
• Complex Setup Process: Despite its streamlined invoicing capabilities, the initial setup process for Archie can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Users have reported difficulties in configuring the platform to match their existing workflows.
• Inconsistent Customer Support: Users have noted that Archie's customer support can be inconsistent. While some receive prompt and helpful responses, others experience delays and less satisfactory assistance, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent issues.

Pricing

Archie offers several pricing packages to cater to different needs and budgets:

• 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 customer reviews. Users generally praise the platform for its efficiency and time-saving capabilities, highlighting its ability to reduce redundant data entry, speed up payment processes, and improve overall financial management.

4. Honeybook

HoneyBook allows users to easily create and send invoices to get paid on time. The platform is designed for independent businesses to manage clientflow efficiently.

Pros of Using Honeybook

HoneyBook offers several unique features that make it an excellent choice for independent businesses looking to manage their clientflow efficiently:

• Customizable, Interactive Proposals: Impress clients with beautifully designed, interactive proposals that can be tailored to fit your brand and services.
• Powerful AI & Automations: Save time and reduce busywork by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.
• Seamless Integrations: Connect HoneyBook with popular tools like Google Calendar, QuickBooks, and Zoom to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.

Cons of Using Honeybook

• Limited Customization: Many users have expressed frustration with the limited customization options available on HoneyBook. This can be a significant drawback for businesses that require more tailored solutions to fit their unique needs.
• Payment Issues: Some users have reported encountering issues with payments, including high transaction fees and occasional delays in processing. These problems can disrupt cash flow and create unnecessary stress for business owners.
• Expensive: HoneyBook is considered pricey by some users, especially when compared to other platforms offering similar features. The cost can be a barrier for smaller businesses or freelancers operating on a tight budget.

Pricing

HoneyBook offers a range of pricing packages designed to scale with your business needs. Here are the available pricing options:

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

Reviews

HoneyBook has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on customer reviews. Generally, users appreciate the platform's ease of use and comprehensive features but note some issues with customization and cost. For more insights, visit HoneyBook Reviews & Product Details.

5. Indy

Indy helps you manage your entire business. Send proposals, sign contracts, track billable hours, create invoices, and receive payments all in one place.

Indy offers several invoicing features designed to streamline the billing process for freelancers and independent business owners:

• Invoice Creation: Create professional invoices quickly and easily. Customize them to fit your brand and include all necessary details.
• Recurring Invoices: Set up recurring invoices for ongoing projects or retainer clients, ensuring you get paid on time without manual intervention.
• Payment Tracking: Monitor the status of your invoices and payments. Know when an invoice is viewed, paid, or overdue.
• Automated Reminders: Send automatic payment reminders to clients, reducing the need for follow-up emails and ensuring timely payments.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accept various payment methods, including credit cards and bank transfers, making it easier for clients to pay you.

Indy offers two pricing plans to cater to different needs:

• Free Plan: $0 per month. Includes basic tools with limited usage (3 proposals, contracts, invoices, clients per month) and 10GB file storage (Max 200MB per file).
• Pro Bundle Plan: $18.75 per month (billed yearly). Includes all Free features plus unlimited usage, advanced tools, 1TB file storage (Max 1GB per file), AI digital assistant, branded client portal, customizable templates, recurring invoices, integrations (Zapier, Google Calendar, Gmail), white labeling, and live chat support.

Indy has received positive reviews from users:

• Ni ✌🏾& ❤️: "Love it! Easy to use, constant updates and improvements on the app." (Sep 7, 2023)
• Jakub Wielogórski: "Amazing, let it help you and results will surprise you even if you already were expecting a miracles." (Jan 19, 2024)
• newblicious: "Great app with stunning UX." (Nov 21, 2023)
• Zee Shawn: Detailed review praising the platform's proposal and invoicing features. (May 25, 2023)
• Romain Galoisy: "Great productivity tools to manage your freelance business." (Mar 14, 2023)
• elise pinhas: "Very useful app with great UX. It saves me money and Time." (Feb 7, 2023)
• Emanuel Allely: "Great product! Easy to setup, to use with a beautiful UI! GG." (Feb 23, 2023)

Pros of Using Indy

#Pros of Using Indy#

• Project Portals: A shared space for all work-related activities, allowing clients to be part of the workspace.
• Time Tracker: Record, report, and get paid for time spent on tasks.
• Forms: Tools to grow leads, gather project information, and request testimonials.

Cons of Using Indy

While Indy offers a range of features that are beneficial for freelancers and independent business owners, there are some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Customization: Some users have expressed frustration with the limited customization options available on Indy. This can be a significant drawback for businesses that require more tailored solutions to fit their unique needs.
• Occasional Bugs: Users have reported encountering occasional bugs and glitches within the platform. These issues can disrupt workflow and cause inconvenience, especially when working on time-sensitive projects.
• Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly interface, some users find that there is a learning curve when first starting with Indy. This can be challenging for those who need to quickly adapt and integrate the platform into their business operations.

Pricing

Indy offers two pricing plans to cater to different needs:

• Free Plan: $0
• Pro Bundle: $18.75 per month (billed yearly)

Reviews

Indy has received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. Users generally appreciate its ease of use, constant updates, and improvements, making it a valuable tool for freelancers. For more insights, visit Indy Reviews.

Which One Should You Go With?

Choosing the right invoicing platform can make a significant difference in managing your business efficiently. While all the options discussed offer valuable features, we recommend Beacons for creators looking to centralize their invoicing activities. With its comprehensive suite of tools and user-friendly interface, Beacons stands out as a top choice for those aiming to enhance their invoicing process and overall business management.