10 Best Agency Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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Today, many agencies grapple with the complexities of managing client relationships, project workflows, and financial transactions, often resulting in inefficiencies hindering growth. As a result, more agencies are using software to optimize operations and enhance service delivery.
As an HR technology analyst, I've also witnessed an uptick in the need for software that streamlines these processes. With my knowledge of HR software, I reviewed and tested the leading agency software options to help leaders find the best options for their teams.
Whether you want to upgrade your current software or implement an entirely new system, this guide will provide you with the insights to make an informed decision.
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Best Agency Software Summary
We’ve investigated the pricing and availability of free trials and demo versions so you can make a much simpler side-by-side comparison.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Tableau | From $70/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Adverity | From $548/month | Website |
Crazy Egg | From $29/user/month | Website |
ReportGarden | From $149/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Adzooma | From $99/month | Website |
Funnelytics | From $79/month | Website |
Justuno | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website |
Rankability | From $124/month (billed annually) | Website |
HubSpot | From $45/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
NinjaCat | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Agency Software
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind.
- Usability: The software needs to be intuitive and easy to use. If the tool is overly complicated and requires extensive training, it can hinder productivity rather than enhance it. For example, if your team spends more time learning the software than using it, it defeats the purpose of streamlining operations.
- Features: Ensure the software has the right features for your agency's needs. Many "all-in-one" solutions may excel in one area but fall short in others. For instance, a tool might be great for project management but lacks resource planning capabilities. List the problems you want to solve and match them with the software's features. If your team struggles with overbooking projects, a tool with transparent scheduling can be invaluable.
- Integrations: The software should integrate with your existing tools. This is important for maintaining a smooth workflow. Identify which integrations are "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" to narrow your options.
- Pricing: The software's cost should fit within your budget and provide value. Calculate both the tool's cost and the time it will save your agency. For example, a tool might cost $10 per person per month, but if it significantly increases productivity, it can pay for itself in the long run. Ensure the pricing is transparent to avoid unexpected charges.
- Vendor Support and Reliability: Choose a vendor that offers reliable support and has a reliable track record. This includes data migration support, training, and ongoing customer service. For instance, if your agency is transitioning from a different system, the vendor should provide support to ensure a smooth migration. Check reviews and testimonials to gauge the vendor's reliability and customer satisfaction.
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ClickUp
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Hub Planner
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Agency Software Reviews
Here’s an in-depth analysis and overview of each agency software. This will walk through the pros and cons of each tool, its features, and best use cases.
Tableau is a data visualization tool designed to help agencies transform raw data into interactive, shareable dashboards and insights. It enables users to explore data visually, create complex reports, and drive data-driven decisions.
Why I Picked Tableau: I chose Tableau for its data visualization capabilities and its ability to transform raw data into actionable insights. It stands out due to its interface and customization options, making it good for agencies needing detailed and interactive data presentations. It provides tools for creating dynamic, shareable dashboards that can be integrated into various business processes.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include advanced data visualization, real-time analytics, and interactive dashboards. Tableau's drag-and-drop interface allows users to create complex visualizations without needing extensive technical knowledge, and its real-time data processing ensures that insights are always up-to-date.
Integrations include Amazon Redshift, Google Analytics, Google Sheets, IBM BigInsights, Microsoft Excel, OneDrive, Oracle, Presto, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive customization
- Real-time analytics
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Requires additional setup for customization
- Resource-intensive for large datasets
Adverity is a data analytics platform designed to help agencies collect, analyze, and visualize marketing data from various sources. It enables users to automate data integration and reporting, providing actionable insights to improve decision-making.
Why I Picked Adverity: I chose Adverity for its data integration capabilities, which are important for agencies managing large volumes of marketing data. Its ability to unify data from multiple sources into a single, actionable dashboard sets it apart from other agency management software. Additionally, Adverity’s focus on automation and scalability makes it an ideal choice for data-driven agencies.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include AI-powered automation for data integration, data governance tools, and the ability to connect with over 600 pre-built data connectors. These features make it easy to manage and optimize data across various platforms.
Integrations include Box, Google Ads, Google Analytics, HubSpot Marketing Hub, Instagram, Mailchimp, Microsoft SharePoint, SEMrush, Shopify, and Twitter.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 600+ data connectors
- Complete data governance
- AI-powered automation
Cons:
- Limited support for non-marketing data
- Requires setup for optimal use
Crazy Egg is a website optimization tool that offers features such as heatmaps, recordings, surveys, A/B testing, and traffic analysis. It provides detailed visual reports and session recordings to understand user behavior and improve website design.
Why I Picked Crazy Egg: I chose Crazy Egg as it helps agencies and agency owners understand user behavior through heatmaps and recordings. This tool stands out for its ability to provide visual insights into user interactions, making it easier to identify areas for customer experience improvement. It offers detailed visual reports and session recordings that help make informed design changes that can enhance customer relationships.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include heatmaps, session recordings, A/B testing, traffic analysis, and error tracking. These features allow users to visualize user interactions, test different design elements, and analyze traffic sources to optimize website performance.
Integrations include Convert Experiences, Drupal, Handshake, Joomla, Kameleoon, Magento, Optimizely, Rippling, Shopify, Sitejet, Squarespace, SurveyMonkey, Teamstack, Wix, and WordPress.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A/B testing
- Session recordings
- Detailed heatmaps
Cons:
- Requires ongoing monitoring
- Not ideal for very large sites
ReportGarden is a marketing dashboard and analytics software that helps agencies create customizable marketing dashboards and automate reporting. It offers options for tailoring reports to specific needs, saving time and resources.
Why I Picked ReportGarden: I chose ReportGarden for its customization capabilities, which stand out among other agency software. The platform’s ability to blend data from multiple sources and create white-labeled portals makes it stand out. Its ttemplate library and custom widget options, allow agencies to present data in a client-specific manner.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable dashboards, data blending from multiple sources, and white-labeled portals. ReportGarden also offers over 1000 templates fine-tuned for various marketing use-cases, and custom widgets to enhance report storytelling.
Integrations include Google Ads, Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, Instagram Profiles, Google Search Console, Google Business Profile, Google Drive, Bing Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and Twitter Ads.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- White-labeled portals
- Data blending
- Customizable dashboards
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for some users
- Fewer data visualization options
Adzooma is an online marketing platform that provides AI-driven PPC recommendations. It offers smart recommendations to improve PPC efficiency and performance.
Why I Picked Adzooma: I chose Adzooma for ability to provide actionable AI insights and simplify the implementation process. Additionally, the platform’s user-friendly interface and accessibility make it a good choice for agencies looking to streamline their ad operations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include AI-driven smart recommendations, PPC performance reports, SEO performance reports, and web metrics reports. Adzooma simplifies the process of implementing recommendations, requiring just two clicks to apply changes.
Integrations include WordPress, Wix, Volusion, Weebly, Squarespace, Shopify Plus, Magento, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft Ads.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive reports
- Easy implementation
- AI-driven recommendations
Cons:
- Occasional sync issues with platforms
- Requires initial setup time
Funnelytics is a marketing funnel tracking and analytics tool that offers a visual and data-driven approach to planning, measuring, and optimizing marketing funnels. It provides a visual canvas that allows users to track, report, and optimize their marketing funnels more accurately.
Why I Picked Funnelytics: I chose Funnelytics for the list because it stands out with its visual approach to marketing funnel analytics. Unlike other tools that rely on complex charts and dashboards, Funnelytics uses a digital whiteboard to simplify funnel performance. This makes it easier to identify bottlenecks and optimize strategies, which is important for agencies looking to improve marketing efforts.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include auto-tracking of all funnel steps across multiple domains, pulling in data from external platforms for pinpoint accuracy, and visualizing all funnel metrics to quickly see conversions. It also offers predictive forecasting to help users make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Zapier, HubSpot, and GoHighLevel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Auto-tracking features
- Predictive forecasting
- Visual funnel mapping
Cons:
- Limited to marketing funnels
- Learning curve for beginners
Justuno is a website marketing automation platform that creates personalized website pop-ups to enhance user engagement and conversion rates. It offers advanced targeting and segmentation features that allow businesses to deliver highly relevant messages to visitors.
Why I Picked Justuno: I chose Justuno as it creates personalized website pop-ups, which stand out due to its advanced targeting and segmentation features. Justuno delivers relevant and timely messages to website visitors, making it the best choice for personalized website pop-ups.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include advanced segmentation, A/B testing, and real-time visitor behavior tracking. These features enable businesses to create highly targeted and effective pop-ups that drive conversions.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Shopify, Klaviyo, Magento, ActiveCampaign, Emotive, Google Analytics, HubSpot, IBM, and Lightspeed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A/B testing capabilities
- Real-time behavior tracking
- Advanced targeting options
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility in templates
- Advanced rules can be tricky to set
Rankability is an AI-driven SEO software designed to help users create optimized content for better Google rankings. It supports content creation through keyword research, brief generation, and monitoring, with a focus on improving ranking success.
Why I Picked Rankability: I chose Rankability as it leverages AI and NLP technologies to optimize content effectively. It stands out as it simplifies the SEO process, from keyword research to content monitoring. Rankability integrates advanced technologies to ensure content relevancy and optimization, making it an asset for agencies focused on improving their search engine rankings.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include AI-powered content briefs, NLP keyword recommendations, and a content monitoring system. These features help users create highly relevant and optimized content, track keyword performance, and identify areas for improvement.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, WordPress, HubSpot, Trello, Slack, and Asana.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed content monitoring
- NLP keyword recommendations
- AI-powered content briefs
Cons:
- Specific to content-focused agencies
- Limited integrations
HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing automation platform designed to help businesses grow by integrating marketing, sales, and customer service tools. It combines CRM, email marketing, social media management, and analytics into a single platform.
Why I Picked HubSpot: I chose HubSpot for this list because it offers tools that cater to various aspects of marketing, sales, and customer service. Its all-in-one nature sets it apart from other software, providing a smooth experience for managing multiple business functions. HubSpot’s features and integrations simplify marketing efforts and improve efficiency.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a CRM system, email marketing automation, social media management, and detailed analytics. These features allow businesses to manage their marketing strategy from one platform.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zapier, Shopify, WordPress, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive toolset
Cons:
- Complex for first-time users
- Requires consistent updates and management
NinjaCat is a marketing analytics platform designed for agencies, multi-location brands, and media companies, offering AI-powered data management and analytics. It focuses on enhancing marketing effectiveness by automating tasks and providing advanced insights through AI technologies.
Why I Picked NinjaCat: I chose NinjaCat for this list because of its suite of AI-powered analytics tools that stand out among other agency software. Its ability to integrate with over 150 marketing platforms and provide scalable, automated, and AI-enriched solutions makes it a top choice for agencies looking to elevate their analytics capabilities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a data cloud for ingesting, storing, transforming, and shipping marketing analytics data at scale, AI-enabled analytics for sharp insights and task automation, and customizable reporting solutions. It also offers client success solutions, engineering and product solutions, and insights and analytics solutions.
Integrations include Google Ads, Google Analytics, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Amazon Ads.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable reports
- Can handle data at scale
- AI-driven insights
Cons:
- Limited flexibility in smaller accounts
- Complex setup process
Other Agency Software
Below is a list of additional agency software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top list. Definitely still worth checking them out!
- Sprout Social
Best for social media analytics
- Zoho Analytics
Best for business analytics
- Klipfolio
Best for custom dashboards and reporting
- Google Analytics
Best for web analytics and traffic insights
- Hootsuite
Best for social media management
- Semrush
Best for keyword research
- Databox
Best for real-time performance tracking
- Moz
Best for SEO tools and insights
- AgencyAnalytics
Best for client reporting and SEO tools
- Looker Studio
Best for business intelligence
Related Project Management Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out these related project management tools we've tested and reviewed.
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
Agency Software Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing agency software should address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring the tool effectively serves its intended purpose. As an expert who has personally tried and researched this type of software, here are the requirements I use when evaluating these tools.
Core Agency Software Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Project management
- Client communication
- Reporting and analytics
- Time tracking
- Invoicing and billing
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Unique integrations with other tools
- Advanced automation capabilities
- Customizable dashboards
- AI-driven insights
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Intuitive interface design
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Customizable workflows
- Mobile accessibility
- User-friendly navigation
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Templates for quick setup
- Chatbots for instant help
- Webinars for in-depth learning
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple support channels (email, chat, phone)
- Dedicated account managers
- Vast knowledge base
- Fast response times
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Transparent pricing structure
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- ROI potential
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Insights on feature effectiveness
- User testimonials on value for money
Trends For Agency Software
Agency management system software is transforming rapidly. Here are some important trends to keep on your radar.
- AI-Driven Project Management: AI automates routine tasks in project management. This allows teams to focus on strategic work and improve task prediction accurarcy.
- Integrated Communication Tools: Software now includes built-in communication features. This reduces the need for multiple apps and enhances team collaboration.
- Advanced Data Analytics: Agencies are leveraging advanced analytics for better end-to-end decision-making. These tools provide deep digital marketing insights into project performance. They help identify areas for agency growth and improvement.
- Customizable Workflows: Customizable workflows are becoming standard. They allow agencies to tailor marketing campaigns to their needs. This flexibility supports diverse project requirements.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Security is a top priority with new software updates. Enhanced measures protect sensitive data and maintains client trust.
These trends are shaping the future of agency software, driving innovation and enhancing efficiency.
What Is Agency Software?
Agency software is a SaaS tool designed to help marketing, advertising, and creative agencies manage their projects, clients, and resources efficiently. It is commonly used by project managers, account managers, and creative teams to simplify automated workflows, track project progress, and manage client relationships.
Agency software typically includes project management, time tracking, client management, and financial management. These features allow users to plan and execute projects, monitor time spent on tasks, maintain client communications, and manage budgets and invoices.
Features Of Agency Software
When selecting agency software, it's essential to understand the key software features required for your agency's success. The right tools can help manage projects, simplify communication, and improve overall efficiency. Here are the most important features to look for:
- Project Management: This feature helps organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, ensuring that projects are completed on time.
- Client Management: It allows you to store and manage client information, making it easier to maintain client relationships.
- Time Tracking: This feature helps monitor time spent on various tasks, which is essential for accurate billing and productivity analysis.
- Invoicing: Automated invoicing ensures you get paid on time and reduces the administrative burden of manual billing.
- Collaboration Tools: These tools facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, which is vital for project success.
- Reporting and Analytics: This feature provides insights into your agency's performance, helping you make informed decisions.
- Resource Management: It helps allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that your team is not overburdened.
- File Sharing: Secure file sharing is important for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of client information.
- Customization: The ability to customize the software to fit your agency's specific needs can enhance its usability.
- Integration: Smooth integration with other tools and project management software ensures your agency's workflow remains uninterrupted.
These features will help your agency run more smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to improve your sales processes and focus on delivering the best possible service to your clients.
Benefits Of Agency Software
Agency software has become an essential tool for organizations looking to simplify operations, enhance productivity, and improve client satisfaction. Below are five primary benefits of using agency software for both users and organizations.
- Increased Efficiency: Agency software automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities, thereby increasing overall productivity.
- Enhanced Collaboration: With centralized data and communication tools, team members can easily collaborate on projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page and reducing the risk of miscommunication.
- Improved Client Management: The software provides client management features, enabling businesses to maintain detailed client records, track interactions, and deliver personalized services.
- Data-Driven Insights: Advanced analytics and reporting tools help organizations make informed decisions by providing valuable insights into performance metrics and business trends.
- Scalability: As your business grows, agency software can scale to accommodate increased workloads and additional users, ensuring your operations remain smooth and efficient.
Investing in agency software can significantly enhance how your organization operates, leading to better outcomes for both your team and your clients. By leveraging the benefits outlined above, businesses can stay competitive and achieve their goals.
Costs & Pricing Of Agency Software
When evaluating agency software, grasping the costs and pricing options is important for making an informed decision. As a software expert, I will outline the different plans available, their average prices, and the common features they include.
Plan Comparison Table for Agency Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic project management, limited users, basic reporting, and task management |
Personal Plan | $9 - $60 per month | Time tracking, invoicing, basic CRM, limited integrations, and basic support |
Business Plan | $60 - $600 per month | Advanced project management, resource planning, financial management, and analytics |
Enterprise Plan | $600 - $1000+ per month | Custom integrations, advanced security, dedicated support, and analytics |
When selecting the most suitable plan, carefully evaluate your agency's size, specific requirements, and budgetary constraints. Take the time to assess how each option aligns with your agency's goals and workflows to ensure you make an informed decision.
Agency Software FAQs
Still figuring out how agency software can simplify your operations and enhance productivity? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will provide clarity.
How can I integrate agency software with other tools we use?
Integrating agency software with other tools typically involves using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provided by the software. Most agency software solutions offer detailed documentation and support for integrating with popular tools like CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and project management tools. You may need to work with your IT team or a third-party developer to ensure smooth integration.
What are the best practices for migrating data to new agency software?
When migrating data to new agency software, start by auditing your current data to ensure it is clean and well-organized. Next, back up all existing data to prevent any loss during the migration process. Use the import tools provided by the new software to transfer data, and consider running a pilot test with a small data set before a full-scale migration. Finally, train your team on the new system to ensure a smooth transition.
How do I ensure data security and compliance with agency software?
To ensure data security and compliance, choose agency software that offers security features such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security updates. Additionally, ensure the software complies with relevant regulations such as GDPR or CCPA. Regularly review and update your security policies and conduct audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
What are the key metrics to track using agency software?
Key metrics to track using agency software include project completion rates, client satisfaction scores, resource utilization rates, and financial performance indicators such as revenue and profit margins. These metrics help you assess the efficiency and effectiveness of your agency’s operations and make data-driven decisions to improve performance.
How can I customize agency software to fit my agency's specific needs?
Most agency software solutions offer customization options such as custom fields, workflows, and templates. You can tailor these features to match your agency’s processes and requirements. Additionally, some software providers offer professional services to help you with more advanced customizations, such as developing custom modules or integrations.
What should I do if my team is resistant to adopting new agency software?
If your team is resistant to adopting new agency software, start by involving them in the selection process to ensure the chosen solution meets their needs. Provide training and support to help them become comfortable with the new system. Highlight the benefits of the software, such as increased efficiency and improved collaboration, to encourage buy-in. Finally, address any concerns or feedback promptly to show that their input is valued.
How often should I update or upgrade my agency software?
The frequency of updates or upgrades depends on the software provider’s release schedule and your agency’s needs. Regularly updating your software ensures you have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. However, major upgrades that involve significant changes to the system should be planned carefully to minimize disruption to your operations.
Can agency software help with remote team management?
Yes, agency software can significantly aid in managing remote teams by providing tools for communication, collaboration, and project tracking. Features such as task assignments, time tracking, and real-time updates help ensure that all team members are aligned and productive, regardless of their location. Additionally, integrated communication tools like chat and video conferencing can facilitate better team interaction and coordination.
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