Best Marketing Project Management Software for Agencies

Choosing the right project management software has the power to make or break your marketing agency’s ability to stay on track, deliver on time, and keep clients happy. 

Imagine you’ve just landed a huge client, but as the campaign grows, so does the chaos. Tasks start slipping through the cracks, timelines shift, and suddenly your team is spending more time tracking updates than actually getting work done. 

This is where project management software steps in. 

For agencies, the best software must do more than simply organize campaign tasks. The ideal platform should help streamline communication, improve workflow efficiency, and provide the insights needed to make informed decisions for clients. 

Whether you’re leading a small team or managing a large-scale agency, choosing the right tool is key to staying competitive and keeping your clients satisfied long-term.

In this article, we’ll break down what to look for in marketing project management software and explore the top options to help find the best fit for your agency’s needs

Let’s get started.

What To Look for in a Marketing Project Management Tool

When evaluating a marketing project management tool for your agency, it’s important to focus on tools that enhance your team’s workflow and communication. The best software should help project managers with project planning–everything from planning campaigns, collaborating efficiently, and tracking time and resources. 

Here are the key features to look for when choosing the right platform:

1. Task Management

A solid task management system is the backbone of any project management software. For marketing agencies, the ability to assign tasks, set priorities, and monitor progress in real-time for the entire team is essential. 

The software should provide a clear overview of who’s responsible for each task and when it’s due. Features like automatic reminders and customizable task categories keep the team focused and reduce the chance of something being missed. It’s also important that tasks are easy to update as projects evolve, so everyone stays on the same page.

2. Planning and Scheduling

Marketing campaigns often involve multiple moving parts, so having strong planning and scheduling tools is key. The software should allow a marketing team to map out each stage of a campaign, allocate resources, and set deadlines effectively. 

Modern marketing teams need project management features like gantt charts, calendar views, and drag-and-drop interfaces to visualize timelines and make adjustments on the fly. A detailed project dashboard gives a clear overview of all active projects, helping your team track progress and assess team workload in real-time. 

Be sure to look for platforms that integrate with calendar apps to streamline approval processes and make it easier to keep projects on schedule. These tools ensure your team stays organized and ready for upcoming tasks without overloading anyone, promoting a smoother execution of your campaign ideas.

3. Collaboration and Communication

Team collaboration is vital in any marketing agency, especially when creative teams, for example, are working on cross-functional campaigns. Marketing project managers should be able to communicate internally in real time, whether their team is in the same office or spread across different locations. 

Built-in chat, @mentions, and file-sharing tools are important team collaboration features that cut down on endless email threads and miscommunication. It’s also helpful if the platform integrates with the tools your team already uses, like Slack or Google Workspace, so team or client communication stays in one place.

It's important to remember that although you may have been hired to perform a service to your client, it's equally important to get the client on board and act in collaboration with your efforts; the insight your client may be able to provide to you could be the missing spark to your creative and/or campaign.

Adrian Rivera, Director of Marketing, Advanced Outdoor Management

4. Reporting and Analytics

Data-driven marketing decisions are at the heart of successful campaigns, so detailed reporting and analytics capabilities are a must. Your software should provide insights into team productivity, campaign performance, and project timelines. 

Look for customizable report templates that allow you to track key metrics and generate data visualizations. This feature helps save time, identify bottlenecks in your process, monitor your team’s efficiency, and make data-backed adjustments to improve results.

5. Time Tracking

Time tracking tools are important for agencies, especially those billing by the hour and managing several clients at once. Your project management software should include an easy-to-use feature that records how long each task or project takes. 

This helps with client billing and internal accountability, ensuring that projects are completed within the expected time frame. Automated time logs and the ability to generate time-based reports are also helpful, allowing you to see exactly where time is spent and optimize future marketing workflows accordingly.

Best Marketing Project Management Software of 2024

We’re all juggling multiple marketing projects at once. The only way to meet those deadlines and keep clients happy is with the right software in place. 

Here is a detailed list of the top marketing project management tools available tailored to the specific needs of different agency sizes and structures.

Best All-In-One Marketing Productivity Platforms

Keeping track of marketing projects can get chaotic fast without a solid system in place. That’s where all-in-one platforms come in, helping agencies stay organized, communicate better, and hit those deadlines. Here are some of the best tools out there to keep everything running smoothly.

1. Asana

Asana is a popular project management tool that helps agencies organize their work. It lets marketing teams easily create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress all in one place. With integrations like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams, Asana makes it simple to manage communication and file sharing.

One of its best features is the ability to customize how you view projects. You can use boards, lists, or timelines to see everything clearly and stay on top of complex marketing projects.

Asana allows teams to handle daily tasks and long-term goals without needing multiple tools. Features like automated workflows and reporting help teams stay productive and efficient.

Pro: Asana's flexibility in project views (boards, lists, timelines) allows teams to choose the layout that best fits their workflow, making it easier to manage both simple tasks and complex projects.

Con: For larger teams, Asana can become overwhelming with too many tasks and notifications, making it harder to maintain focus on high-priority items.

Top Features

• Workflow Builder: Visually create and customize workflows to automate repetitive tasks and ensure consistency across projects.

• Strategic Goals: Set clear objectives and track campaign progress towards achieving them, aligning team efforts with overall business goals.

• Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation to effectively manage complex projects and identify potential bottlenecks.

Pricing

The Personal Plan is free, and the Starter Plan is $10.99 per user, per month billed annually.

2. Monday.com

Monday.com is a flexible project management tool that helps teams collaborate more efficiently. With its visually appealing and easy-to-use interface, marketing teams quickly build custom workflows, assign tasks, and track project progress. The tool is ideal for managing everything from daily operations to large marketing campaigns, offering built-in templates that can be tailored to any project type.

Similar to Asana, one of Monday.com’s standout features is its automation capabilities. It allows teams to automate repetitive tasks, like status updates or reminders, helping reduce manual work and keeping projects on track. The platform also integrates with tools like Zoom, Slack, and Google Drive for seamless coordination across teams.

If you’re comparing Monday.com to Asana, Monday.com comes out on top with its higher level of customization and more advanced automation options. 

Pro: The tool’s extensive automation options save teams time by eliminating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency without extra effort.

Con: Monday.com can become expensive for larger teams, especially when scaling up and adding advanced features or more users.

Top Features

• Custom Dashboards: Create personalized views of project data to track progress, identify issues, and make informed decisions.

• Automation: Set up rules to automate repetitive tasks, such as assigning tasks, sending notifications, and updating statuses, saving time and reducing errors.

• Team Chat: Use the built-in chat functionality to collaborate in real-time with team members, reducing communication delays and improving efficiency.

Pricing

Free plans are available for up to two users. Their most popular Basic Plan starts at $17 per user/month billed annually. 

3. Wrike

Wrike is a feature-rich project management tool designed for teams handling complex projects. The platform allows PMs to create fully customized workflows and detailed reporting, helping teams break down projects and track them from start to finish. Teams can also set up multiple task views, collaborate in real-time, and use built-in approval systems to streamline processes like content reviews or campaign sign-offs.

What makes Wrike different from other project management tools is its focus on scalability and client-facing features. It helps agencies manage large-scale projects or multiple clients at the same time, providing detailed control over user permissions. This allows teams to share progress with clients without disclosing internal information.

Marketing agencies often choose Wrike for its advanced proofing tools and robust project templates, which are specifically designed to handle the fast-paced needs of marketing and advertising work.

Pro: Wrike’s built-in proofing and approval process is ideal for marketing teams handling high-volume creative work. It makes collaboration between team members and clients more efficient.

Con: Wrike’s pricing may quickly increase as you add more users and unlock advanced features, making it a costlier option for smaller teams or agencies.

Top Features

• Gantt Charts: This feature allows teams to see task dependencies, adjust deadlines with a simple drag-and-drop interface, and track progress in real-time, ensuring projects stay on schedule and workloads are evenly distributed across the team.

• Time Tracking: Accurately track time spent on tasks and projects to improve resource allocation, billing, and budgeting.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real-time through comments, @mentions, and shared workspaces, fostering effective communication and teamwork.

Pricing

Free plans are available, and their most popular Business Plan starts at $24.80 per user/month. 

Best for Mid-Size Agencies

Mid-size agencies have unique needs when it comes to project management software. It needs to be sophisticated enough to handle multiple clients but not a complex, enterprise-level solution. The right project management tools can strike that balance, giving you just enough power without the unnecessary clutter.

4. Teamwork

Teamwork is a great option for mid-size marketing agencies. It helps teams manage multiple projects, assign tasks, track time, and handle client billing all from one place. A key feature is the built-in time tracking and billing, which ensures agencies stay on budget and bill clients accurately for the work completed.

What makes Teamwork different from other project management tools is its focus on working with clients. It offers client collaboration features like branded dashboards and controlled access, so clients easily see project updates without seeing everything. Teamwork combines strong task management with tools for tracking time, invoicing, and managing resources, helping to keep everything organized and running smoothly.

We’ve included Teamwork in the mid-sized agency category because it offers plenty of features without being too complicated. It’s powerful enough to handle bigger projects, while still being user-friendly for teams that don’t need an overly complex system.

Pro: Teamwork’s built-in time tracking and billing features make it easy for agencies to manage project budgets and ensure accurate client invoicing.

Con: Some users find that Teamwork’s interface feels a bit dated compared to more modern project management tools, which may take away from the user experience.

Top Features:

• Task Management: Create, assign, and track tasks with ease, using kanban boards or list views.

• Time Tracking: With detailed time logs, monitor time spent on tasks, improve resource allocation, and streamline client billing. Teamwork’s time tracking feature ensures projects stay on schedule and no billable time goes unaccounted for.

• Collaboration Features: Communicate with team members through comments, @mentions, and real-time chat.

Pricing

The Deliver Plan is $10.99 per user/month billed annually. 

5. ClickUp

ClickUp offers a variety of features, like task tracking and team collaboration, in a way that teams easily customize. One of the best parts of ClickUp is that you can change how you view tasks—whether it’s a list, a board, a calendar, or a Gantt chart—depending on what works best for your team. This makes it easy to stay organized and track progress in a way that suits your workflow.

The platform is visually appealing and easy to use. It combines many aspects that agencies often look for in one platform, such as task management, time tracking, goal setting, and even document sharing. This means teams don’t have to use several different apps, which makes everything more efficient. 

ClickUp is under the mid-sized agency section because it grows with your team. Whether you’re handling small or large projects, the tool helps keep everything organized and lets you work the way that suits you best.

Pro: ClickUp’s automation features save time by handling repetitive tasks, helping teams focus on more important work while reducing the need to constantly switch between apps.

Con: While powerful, ClickUp’s many features and customization options may make it feel cluttered, especially for teams that are new to the platform, leading to a bit of a learning curve.

Top Features

• Custom Workspaces: Create custom workspaces to organize projects and teams, ensuring a clear and organized workflow.

• Automations: Automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors, such as assigning tasks, sending notifications, and updating statuses.

• Integrations: Connect ClickUp with popular marketing tools to streamline workflows and improve overall marketing agency efficiency.

Pricing

Four pricing plans are available: a free plan, unlimited, business, and enterprise. The unlimited plan starts at $7 per user/month. 

6. Airtable

Airtable is a flexible project management tool that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database, making it a great fit for mid-size marketing agencies. Whether you’re managing content calendars, campaign data, or client projects, Airtable offers the flexibility to organize information in a way that makes sense for your agency. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful automation tools, teams streamline processes and improve collaboration.

Airtable is a bit of a unique one on our list because it does more than just project management. it can be adapted for various purposes, from tracking marketing assets to handling client feedback. Marketing agencies often choose Airtable because it allows them to build tailored solutions without needing extensive technical skills. Its mix of simplicity and depth gives teams the power to manage projects their way, without the rigidity of more traditional tools.

Pro: Airtable’s highly customizable structure allows teams to build workflows that fit their exact needs, whether for campaign tracking, project management, or client relations.

Con: While Airtable is incredibly flexible, some teams may find it lacks built-in advanced project management features like time tracking and resource management.

Features

• Customizable Views: Airtable lets you switch between grid, calendar, Kanban, and gallery views, making it easy to manage projects from different perspectives.

• Automations: Set up automated actions like sending notifications, creating tasks, or updating records when specific conditions are met, reducing manual work.

• Collaboration Tools: Airtable’s built-in commenting, real-time editing, and sharing options allow teams to collaborate seamlessly, ensuring everyone stays on the same page across projects.

Pricing

Free plans are available for small teams and then the Team Plan starts at $20 per user/month billed annually. 

Best for Premier Agencies

Premier agencies need project management tools that can handle high-volume workloads, complex workflows, and large teams—all while keeping things efficient. These platforms are built to scale and offer the advanced features needed to stay on top of multiple, high-stakes campaigns.

7. Adobe Workfront

Adobe Workfront helps teams manage everything from planning and resource allocation to execution and reporting. One of the most useful features is its seamless integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator, which is a huge advantage for agencies working on creative projects. This integration allows teams to work on designs, collaborate, and manage feedback all within the same platform.

What sets Adobe Workfront apart is its ability to manage large-scale projects that require cross-team collaboration and detailed reporting. It offers in-depth workflow automation and advanced reporting tools that help agencies keep track of project status, performance metrics, and deadlines. 

Adobe Workfront is listed under "best for enterprise agencies" because it’s designed to handle large, complex workflows that require cross-department collaboration. This makes it ideal for agencies with multiple teams and high-volume projects.

Its integration with other Adobe software also adds a layer of efficiency that’s hard to find in other project management tools.

Pro: Adobe Workfront’s strong integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools makes it ideal for marketing agencies working on creative-heavy projects, allowing seamless collaboration between design and management teams.

Con: Adobe Workfront’s pricing may be a drawback for smaller agencies, as the cost quickly adds up with additional features and users, making it less accessible for teams on a tighter budget–especially if you don’t use a lot of other Adobe products. 

Top Features

• Portfolio Management: Manage multiple projects and initiatives across the organization, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective resource allocation.

• Resource Optimization: Optimize resource utilization by analyzing workload, skills, and availability, ensuring projects are staffed appropriately and efficiently.

• Enterprise Integrations: Integrate with other enterprise systems, such as CRM, ERP, and marketing automation tools, to streamline workflows and provide a unified view of project data.

Pricing

Adobe offers a variety of subscription plans with different pricing tiers based on the number of users and features needed. The price range is typically between $49 and $99 per user per month, billed annually.

8. Zoho

Zoho is a great project management tool that’s suited for enterprise agencies. It offers a suite of applications designed to manage every aspect of business operations, from project management to CRM, accounting, and also some marketing automation features. 

The built-in CRM capabilities are another major plus, as they allow agencies to track client relationships, manage leads, and follow up on prospects—all within the same system. This helps agencies stay organized and ensures that both client management and project execution are handled in one unified platform.

Zoho offers enterprise-level features at a price point that remains competitive, while still being adaptable to the specific needs of different teams.

Pro: The wide range of integrated apps makes it incredibly versatile, allowing enterprise agencies to manage everything from projects to customer data and finances all in one place.

Con: Zoho’s interface may come across as less modern than some other tools, which could be frustrating for teams that prefer a more user-friendly option.

Top Features

• Seamless Integrations: Zoho connects easily with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other third-party apps, letting teams manage everything from one central platform. 

• CRM Capabilities: The built-in CRM helps agencies track client interactions, manage leads, and nurture relationships, providing a centralized place for all client-related tasks and communications.

• Customizable Dashboards: Zoho offers customizable dashboards that allow teams to view project progress and sales pipelines. 

Pricing

Standard Plan starts at $25 per organization/month billed annually. 

Best for International Agencies & Remote Teams

International or fully remote agencies face unique challenges, from coordinating across time zones to managing global teams and campaigns. The right project management software helps keep everyone aligned, no matter where they are.

9. Basecamp

Basecamp is a simple and straightforward project management tool that’s great for international marketing agencies with remote teams. Its clean interface and focus on communication make it easy for teams spread across different time zones to stay connected. 

Some of Basecamp's most notable features include message boards, to-do lists, file sharing, and automatic check-ins, all designed to keep projects on track without overwhelming users with too many options. Everything is organized in one place, making it easy to keep up with tasks and conversations across multiple projects.

What makes Basecamp different from other project management tools on our list is its emphasis on simplicity and team communication. Instead of trying to offer every feature imaginable, Basecamp focuses on the essentials, making it perfect for teams that want a no-nonsense approach to project management. 

Pro: Basecamp’s simplicity makes it ideal for agencies that prioritize clear communication and collaboration without the clutter of too many advanced features.

Con: Basecamp lacks some of the more advanced project management features, like time tracking or detailed reporting, which might be a dealbreaker for agencies that need more in-depth functionality.

Top Features

• Messaging: Communicate with team members in real-time through built-in messaging features, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• File Sharing: Easily share files and documents with team members, ensuring everyone has access to the latest information and resources.

• To-do Lists: Create and manage to-do lists for individual tasks and projects, keeping team members organized and focused on their priorities.

Pricing

The Basecamp Plan starts at $15 per user/month, and the Basecamp Pro Plan starts at $299/month, billed annually. 

10. Trello

Trello is a popular visual project management tool ideal for remote teams. Its most useful feature is its card-based system, where tasks are displayed as cards on customizable boards. These cards can be moved between columns (like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done”), making it easy to manage tasks at a glance. Each card can include attachments, checklists, due dates, and comments, allowing for detailed task management in a simple layout.

This drag-and-drop interface is easy to learn and intuitive for users. It’s also great for teams that work remotely, as the boards are updated in real time, keeping everyone in sync no matter where they are. This tool is a great option for keeping teams organized without the need for extensive training or setup.

Pro: Trello’s card-based system makes it extremely easy to visualize tasks and workflows, helping remote teams stay organized and aligned without complexity.

Con: While Trello’s simplicity is a strength, it lacks advanced features like time tracking or detailed reporting, which would be limiting for agencies looking for an all-in-one project management tool.

Top Features:

• Kanban Boards: Kanban boards visualize project workflows, allowing teams to easily see task status and track marketing efforts.

• Checklists: Create checklists for tasks to ensure that all necessary steps are completed and nothing is overlooked.

• Due Dates: Set due dates for tasks and projects to keep team members accountable and ensure deadlines are met.

Pricing

Free plans are available, and the Standard Plan starts at $5/month. 

11. Miro

Miro is a collaborative whiteboard tool designed to help remote teams brainstorm, organize ideas, and manage projects visually. One of its most useful parts is its interactive, real-time workspace, which allows team members to work together as if they were in the same room, even if they’re spread across different time zones. 

Whether it’s mapping out workflows, planning campaigns, or holding virtual meetings, Miro’s endless canvas and built-in templates make it easy for teams to stay aligned and creative.

Instead of traditional task management features, Miro provides a highly interactive platform where teams can draw, add sticky notes, build mind maps, and share feedback in a more dynamic way. Marketing agencies like Miro because it encourages creativity and helps teams visualize projects and ideas more effectively, especially in a remote setting.

Pro: Miro’s visual collaboration tools make it perfect for brainstorming and creative planning, giving remote teams a space to develop and refine ideas together.

Con: While great for creativity, Miro lacks the in-depth project management features that some teams may need for tracking tasks and deadlines.

Features

• Real-time Collaboration: Miro allows team members to interact on the same board at the same time, making it easy for remote teams to brainstorm and develop ideas together.

• Extensive Templates: The tool offers a range of pre-built templates for activities like project planning, mind mapping, and brainstorming.

• Visual Tools: Miro’s drag-and-drop interface includes sticky notes, drawing tools, and shapes, allowing teams to build visual workflows and diagrams that help visualize concepts and ideas. 

Pricing

Free plans are available, then the Starter Plan is $8 per user/month billed annually. 

Highlight the Success of Your Marketing Projects With Client Reports

Marketing teams that provide clear and actionable insights demonstrate the value of their services and build stronger client relationships. Impress your clients with professional and informative client reports that showcase the results of your marketing campaigns. 

With access to over 80 marketing channels, AgencyAnalytics gives agencies a complete picture of your clients’ marketing activities in a centralized platform. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to visualize data, identify trends, and make informed decisions, all while keeping clients in the loop with real-time insights.

Whether task tracking, monitoring organic website traffic, conversions, or referral sources, AgencyAnalytics simplifies the entire process of managing and optimizing your marketing strategies.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Choosing the right project management software is important for marketing agencies to streamline their operations, improve collaboration, and deliver exceptional results. Ideally, the best software will provide a centralized platform for managing tasks, tracking project progress, and facilitating communication among team members–and clients.

We continue to evaluate and explore innovative technologies and platforms to help us scale. From AI for review responses to operational improvements with task management or AI-supported booking providers to more integrated dashboard reporting, we are always on the lookout for tech that will help us function more efficiently.

We are also always researching innovative technology and stacks our clients can use to improve.

Charlie Gray, Director of Product & Marketing Strategy, Custom Marketing Solutions

Here are three key takeaways for project managers and marketing agencies when selecting the best project management software:

• Prioritize Features: Consider the specific features that are most important for managing marketing campaigns, such as task management, time tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration tools.

• Scalability: Choose a software that will accommodate your agency's growth and handle larger projects and teams in the future.

• Ease of Use: Look for a tool with an intuitive interface that is easy for your team to learn and use, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing productivity.