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Run a test automation

How to run a test automation to preview the client experience

Updated this week

While you get acquainted with Automations 2.0, you might want to trial one out before sending to your real clients. You can run a test automation in HoneyBook, and we’ll cover how to do so below.

To run a test automation, you’ll need to work through five workflows in order. Click the anchor links below to be brought to the steps for each workflow.

📚 Tip

Haven't switched to Automations 2.0 yet? Learn more and request to switch here.


Create a test project type

  1. From the top navigation bar, select your profile photo > Company Settings

  2. Select the Preferences tab

  3. By Project types, click the pencil icon

  4. Select + Add project type > enter a name for your test project type > click Done

    • We recommend naming this project type “Test” so you can easily locate and delete it once you’re done testing

  5. Click Save to save your new project type

Your test project type will be added to your account. Now, you can create a test automation and tie it to your test project type.


Create your test automation

You can create a new automation or use one of the presets we’ve added to your account.

  1. From the top navigation bar, select Automations

    1. Build out a new test automation: Click + New automation, then create your automation however you see fit

    2. Use one of our presets: Click on the preset name to open the builder

  2. IMPORTANT: Click on the automation trigger > locate the Project type section > ensure only your test project type name is checked off

    • If other project types are selected, the automation may start running in other projects once it’s activated

  3. When you’re ready, click Activate

Your test automation is live and ready to run whenever the trigger criteria is met. Now, you can create a test project and meet the trigger criteria to activate it in the project.


Create a test project and meet the automation trigger criteria

If your trigger criteria is lead form or contact form submitted

  1. Return to the home page

  2. Locate your live form and submit it as a test client

    • In order for the automation to run properly, ensure the client email you enter is not the one that you use to log into HoneyBook

If your trigger criteria is something else

  1. Return to the home page

  2. From the top navigation bar, select + NEW > Project

  3. Enter the project details, along with a test email

    • In order for the automation to run properly, ensure the client email you enter is not the one that you use to log into HoneyBook

  4. Click Create Project

  5. In the test project, make sure the automation trigger criteria is met

    • For example: If the trigger is set to “Invoice paid in full,” create a test invoice and mark all payments as paid

Your automation should now run in the test project and you can watch it in action.


Watch the automation in action

  1. Check the test project to view your automation run through the steps

  2. You can also view the automation run (along with any other live automation runs) from the Activity tab

Tip

If your automation isn’t running, try out these troubleshooting steps.


Clean up your account

  1. Delete the “test” project type

    1. From the top navigation bar, select your profile photo > Company Settings

    2. Select the Preferences tab

    3. By Project types, click the pencil icon

    4. Hover over your test project type > click the trash can icon > Delete to confirm

  2. Archive or delete your test project

  3. Deactivate your test automation, or rework it for real projects

Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!

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