Top 5 Creative Agency Project Management Software for 2024

Running a creative agency isn’t just about designing stunning visuals or writing compelling copy. It’s about managing projects, handling a team of talented minds, and making sure every client’s dream becomes a reality—on time and within budget.

That’s a wild ride, right?

The pressure to keep up, stay creative, and get everything in order can be a lot. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you don’t have the right tools to help you out.

That’s where project management software comes in. These tools help you streamline your work, improve communication, and make collaboration smoother. Plus, they give you the clarity you need to stay on top of everything.

Hence, in this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 creative agency project management software, each designed to tackle the unique challenges creative agencies face today. 

Quick List of The Best Creative Agency Project Management Software

1. Agency Handy: Best for agencies needing a unified platform for managing clients, projects, and billing in one place.
2. Productive.io: Suitable for agencies looking to optimize project management and financial tracking.
3. Notion: Perfect freemium choice for work management and team collaboration.
4. Bonsai: Great for freelancers and small agencies, offering comprehensive client and project management.
5. Wrike: Best for customizable workspaces with intense task and project management features.

Best Creative Agency Project Management Software

To help you pick the right creative project management software, we’ve created a quick comparison table highlighting key features and pricing.

Now that you’ve a quick overview of the tools and want to get into details, the next sections are for you. You’ll find a comprehensive view of how these tools function, what they have to offer, and how they’ll get your creative tasks running smoothly. Let’s begin. 

1. Agency Handy: All-in-One Client Management Portal

Agency Handy is an excellent creative order management platform built to help digital agencies.  It helps you manage everything from setting up services to onboarding clients and handling invoices.

In the creative space, it’s crucial to showcase what you offer to help your clients build their brand. With Agency Handy’s service catalog, you can do just that. 

Whether you’re writing copy, designing visuals and ads, taking photos, or editing videos, you can list all your services with detailed descriptions and pricing. This makes it easy for clients to see what you offer and choose the services that best fit their needs.

Once you have orders from a client, you can break it into subtasks, assign them to team members, and get a complete bird’s eye of the progress in Kanban boards. It will help you stay organized, spot bottlenecks, and meet deadlines efficiently. 

Additionally, the client approval process increases transparency and builds trust by keeping clients informed and involved. You and your team can look into the feedback and follow up in real time. 

When you’re done with the order and let your head rest from creativity, time to get paid. You can easily customize invoices to one-off or recurring deals and get paid by Stripe or PayPal. This reduces administrative workload and ensures timely payments. 

Overall, Agency Handy is the one-stop solution for creative heads to maintain a complete order and client journey with max satisfaction. 

Features of Agency Handy

Here are the features of Agency Handy that make it a great platform as a creative agency project management software:

Service Catalog and Customization

Agency Handy makes it easy for creative agencies to build a detailed service catalog. Clients can view services with clear descriptions and pricing, making it simple to upsell and cross-sell. It’s a professional way to showcase what you offer transparently.

Client Onboarding and Management

Agency Handy streamlines client onboarding by capturing all necessary details upfront through customizable intake and order forms. With Agency Handy, you can centralize client profiles, storing everything in one place—from contact details to invoices and project history.

Order and Task Management

Managing projects is straightforward with Agency Handy’s Kanban boards and task assignments. You can track tasks, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities easily. This visual approach helps prioritize tasks and keep projects on schedule.

Team Collaboration and Communication

Agency Handy enhances team collaboration with shared task lists and real-time updates. Team members can easily share files, provide feedback, and stay informed about project progress. This setup fosters a cohesive work environment, which is essential for creative projects.

Billing and Invoicing

Agency Handy simplifies financial management with integrated billing and invoicing features. Multiple payment methods are supported, and the invoicing process is automated. This reduces administrative tasks and ensures timely payments.

Customization and Branding

Agency Handy lets you customize a white label client portal to reflect your brand’s identity. You can personalize the client portal and email templates, ensuring consistent branding across all interactions. This strengthens your brand presence and builds client trust.

Secure Access and Data Management

Security is a priority with Agency Handy, offering role-based access controls to protect sensitive information. You can assign specific permissions to team members, ensuring only authorized access to important data. This gives peace of mind to both you and your clients.

Reporting and Analytics

Agency Handy provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools to track key metrics. From project completion rates to financial health, these insights help you make data-driven decisions. It’s essential for staying ahead in the competitive creative industry.

Best Use Case for Using Agency Handy for Managing Creative Projects

Here are the best use cases of Agency Handy:

Branding and Design Agencies: 

Agency Handy’s task management tools, a key feature in creative management software, streamline project workflows. Designers can share drafts, gather feedback, and track revisions, keeping projects on schedule. This makes it an essential tool for the best creative agency project management software.

Digital Marketing Agencies: 

Agency Handy stands out as top-notch software for digital marketing and SEO agencies. Its real-time notifications and project management features ensure campaigns are organized and client communication is seamless. This creative workflow tool is vital for efficient project management for agencies.

Content Creation and Copywriting Agencies: 

For those in need of project management software for artists and content creators, Agency Handy delivers. It simplifies assignment management and deadline tracking while maintaining quality across all projects. This creative agency software is perfect for handling high volumes of work.

Graphic Design Studios: 

Agency Handy’s customizable order forms and Kanban boards are vital creative workflow tools. Tracking tasks and deadlines becomes easy, and the seamless sharing of drafts and feedback ensures smooth project management for creative teams. It’s an excellent choice for project management in a creative agency.

Video Production and Photography Studios: 

As a creative agency project management software, Agency Handy organizes bookings, client communications, and timelines efficiently. Managing client details and contracts is simple, ensuring a smooth production process. It’s a leading choice in project management software for artists.

Web Development Agencies: 

Agency Handy is among the best creative agency project management software for tracking progress and managing resources. It keeps web development projects on schedule, making it a top choice in project management for agencies. Its clear communication tools ensure transparency throughout the project.

Social Media Marketing Agencies: 

Agency Handy’s real-time collaboration features, crucial in marketing project management software, make managing social media campaigns easy. Scheduling posts and gathering client feedback is seamless, keeping campaigns on track. This digital marketing software for agencies is a must-have for agency management.

Pros of Using Agency Handy

• Streamlines client, project, and billing management in one platform.
• Detailed service presentations boost upselling and cross-selling effectiveness.
• Customizable forms simplify client onboarding, ensuring smooth project starts.
• Centralized client info enables personalized, attentive service delivery.
• Shared task lists and updates enhance team collaboration and creativity.
• Automated invoicing with multiple payment methods reduces admin workload.

Cons of Using Agency Handy

• Limited integrations with specialized creative tools.

Agency Handy Pricing

• Solopreneur – $49/month (annually) or $69/month (monthly): For solo creatives, includes unlimited client/project management, branding, task tracking, invoicing, and client approvals, up to 3 users.
• Teams – $99/month (annually) or $149/month (monthly): For small to medium teams, supports up to 10 users, adds collaborative task management, branding, invoicing, and client communication.
• Pro – $149/month (annually) or $199/month (monthly): For larger agencies, up to 30 users, includes advanced task management, unlimited clients, branding, invoicing, and comprehensive.

What Users Say About Agency Handy

Rating on G2: 5 out of 5

“Handy is a fantastic client portal tool for agencies due to its user-friendly interface, making it easy for clients to access and navigate through the platform.” – Andrew J.

Rating on Product Hunt: 5 out of 5

“A great tool for agency management. AgencyHandy solves all my management problems easily. A hassle-free tool you should add to your list.”- Shamima Nasrin

Rating on Trustpilot: 3.8 out of 5

“I am extremely satisfied with Agency Handy. It has streamlined our client management process and has become an essential tool for our business operations.

Customer Management: Adding customers is incredibly straightforward, allowing us to maintain a well-organized database with ease.

Proposal Generation: The feature to send proposals is efficient and professional, saving us time and enhancing our client communication.

Invoicing System: Generating invoices is a breeze with Agency Handy. The system is reliable and helps us get paid faster.

Task Management: The Kanban-style task management has revolutionized how we handle our workload, providing clarity and boosting productivity.” – Vikas Patil

Why Should You Choose Agency Handy for Creative Agency Project Management?

Agency Handy is an outstanding solution for creative agencies, offering a comprehensive set of features designed to streamline project management and boost efficiency. Here’s how it addresses the essential needs of creative agency operations:

Desired Features for Creative Agency Management	How Agency Handy Addresses It
Visual Task Management	Uses Kanban boards for easy task visualization and deadline tracking.
File Sharing and Storage	Provides secure file sharing and storage for accessible project assets.
Centralized Team Communication	Offers integrated communication tools for real-time updates and collaboration.
Client Approval	Streamlines client feedback and approvals with customizable workflows.
Customizable Client Portals	Customize client portals to reflect your agency’s branding.
Invoicing and Payment Management	Streamlines financial management with integrated billing and multiple payment methods.

2. Productive.io: Best for Project & Resource Management

Productive is an all-in-one agency management software designed for creative teams of all sizes. It offers project management tools, from visual task management to detailed time tracking, making it easier to keep projects on track and within budget. 

The platform excels in financial management, with features like real-time profitability tracking and automated invoicing, ensuring that agencies stay on top of their finances. 

With seamless collaboration tools, Productive keeps team communication and client interactions streamlined, allowing for efficient project execution. 

Whether you’re a small team or a large agency, Productive provides the tools you need to manage everything in one place, helping you focus on delivering top-quality work.

Features of Productive:

Here are the key features of Productive:

• Flexible Project Views: Productive offers various project views, including Kanban, timeline, and list views, allowing teams to choose the most effective layout for managing tasks and projects.

• Time Tracking: Integrated time tracking helps monitor billable hours and project timelines, ensuring accurate invoicing and efficient use of resources.
• Resource Planning: Productive’s resource planning feature allows for effective allocation of team members to projects based on availability and skill set, optimizing productivity.
• Budget Management: The platform includes comprehensive budgeting tools, helping agencies track expenses, forecast costs, and maintain financial control over projects.

• Third-Party Integrations: Productive seamlessly integrates with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and QuickBooks, enhancing workflow and facilitating smooth data exchange.
• Detailed Reporting and Analytics: Productive provides reporting and analytics, offering insights into project performance, team productivity, and financial health, aiding in data-driven decision-making.

Pros of Using Productive

• Modern, user-friendly interface simplifies navigation.
• Comprehensive features include project profitability tracking.
• Seamless integration with tools like Trello via API.
• Efficient sales funnel management for agency owners.
• Simplified financial management with easy invoicing.

Cons of Using Productive

• Limited features compared to Jira or ClickUp.
• Initial navigation can be challenging without training.

Productive.io Pricing

• Essential—$9 per month: Essential project management tools for small teams and startups. Includes basic task tracking, HRIS integration, time off management, etc. 
• Professional—$24.00 per month: Offers advanced project planning, time tracking, advanced reports, billable time approval, etc. Ideal for growing teams needing more management tools.
• Ultimate—Custom Pricing: Comprehensive solution for larger teams, including HubSpot and Webhooks integration, expenses approval, advanced custom fields, etc. 
• Enterprise—Custom Pricing: Tailored for large organizations with specific needs. Includes all Ultimate features plus dedicated account manager, better security options, and custom integrations. 

Free trial: Yes, 14 days.

What Users Say About Productive

Rating on Capterra: 4.6 out of 5

“”A good but expensive option”

Overall: It’s good but certain aspects could be improved.

Pros: I like the split of booked and billed hours, as well as the ease of invoicing

Cons: It’s very expensive compared to similar products. The mobile app is clunky.”- Jaka M. 

3. Notion: Freemium Task Manager for Solopreneurs and Small Creative Agencies

Notion is a great solution for creative agencies. It combines notes, tasks, databases, and project management into a single, seamless workspace.

The platform allows you to create custom dashboards to track everything from project timelines to client feedback, providing a comprehensive view of your work. Its flexibility lets you organize projects your way, whether through Kanban boards, calendars, or lists.

Beyond just task management, Notion offers powerful collaboration tools, enabling teams to share documents, brainstorm ideas, and keep everyone on the same page. 

Perfect for creative workflows, Notion increases productivity and keeps your agency running smoothly.

Features of Notion:

Here are the key features of Notion:

• Flexible Workspace Views: Notion provides a variety of workspace views, including Kanban boards, lists, and calendar views, enabling teams to choose the most suitable layout for their projects and tasks.

• All-in-One Workspace: Notion combines notes, tasks, databases, and wikis into a single platform, allowing teams to manage their projects and documentation in one place.
• Powerful Collaboration Tools: Teams can share notes, leave comments, and collaborate in real-time, fostering a more cohesive and efficient working environment.
• Templates and Customization: Notion offers a range of customizable templates for project management, note-taking, and knowledge management, helping teams get started quickly and adapt the tool to their specific needs.
• Database Functionality: Create relational databases to organize information, link data across different pages, and generate comprehensive project overviews.
• Third-Party Integrations: Notion integrates with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, allowing for seamless workflow management and improved productivity.

Pros of Using Notion

• Custom layouts cater to personalized workflow preferences.
• Collaboration features enable seamless team communication.
• Integrates well with Google Drive, Slack, and Zapier.
• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, easy for all users.
• Extensive templates and customization to build productivity.

Cons of Using Notion

• Customization options can overwhelm new users.
• Slows down with large databases, impacting productivity.

Notion Pricing

• Free: Ideal for individuals, offering basic note-taking and organization features. Includes limited project management tools.
• Plus—$10 per user per month: Enhanced features for personal use, including file uploads, unlimited block storage, and version history.
• Business—$15 per user per month: Designed for small teams, providing collaborative workspaces, advanced permissions, and integrations with popular tools.
• Enterprise—Custom Pricing: Tailored for large organizations with specialized needs. Includes advanced security, admin tools, and priority support. 

Free trial: Yes, 30 days.

What Users Say About Notion

Rating on G2: 4.7 out of 5

“ “Versatile and Efficient, But Room for Improvement”

What do you like best about Notion?

Notion’s flexibility and customization options are fantastic. I love how it allows me to organize projects, tasks, and notes all in one place with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The ability to create templates and databases has streamlined my workflow and increased productivity. Collaboration features are also a big plus, making it easy to work with team members in real-time.

What do you dislike about Notion?

While Notion is powerful, it can be overwhelming for new users due to its steep learning curve. Sometimes, it feels a bit slow, especially with larger databases, which can hinder productivity. Additionally, the mobile app, although improving, still lacks some functionality compared to the desktop version, which can be frustrating when on the go.”- Miguel P

4. Bonsai: Great for Small Scale Project Management & Agencies 

Looking for an all-in-one solution for freelance and creative agency management? Bonsai is your answer. It streamlines client management, project tracking, and invoicing in one intuitive platform.

Bonsai offers customizable templates for contracts, proposals, and invoices, making it easy to maintain a professional image. The platform’s task and time-tracking features ensure you stay on top of deadlines and billable hours, enhancing productivity and accuracy.

With seamless integration for payments and expense tracking, Bonsai simplifies financial management. Ideal for freelancers and small agencies, Bonsai provides everything you need to manage your business efficiently, from project initiation to client billing.

Features of Bonsai:

Here are the key features of Bonsai:

• Comprehensive Project Management: Bonsai allows you to create and manage tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, ensuring that all aspects of your project are organized and on schedule.

• Customizable Templates: With a range of templates for contracts, proposals, and invoices, Bonsai streamlines the creation of essential documents tailored to your business needs.
• Time Tracking and Expense Management: Easily track billable hours and manage expenses directly within the platform, making it simple to stay on top of your financials.
• Client Portal: Provide clients with a dedicated portal where they can view project updates, approve proposals, and make payments, enhancing client communication and satisfaction.
• Automated Workflows: Automate repetitive tasks such as invoice generation and payment reminders, saving time and reducing the chance of errors.

• Integration with Popular Tools: Bonsai integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier, ensuring seamless workflow and increased productivity.

Pros of Using Bonsai

• User-friendly interface simplifies contract and invoice management.
• Automation reduces manual effort in client communications.
• Centralized client management improves tracking and organization.
• Quick and helpful customer support ensures timely assistance.
• Integrates well with other tools, enhancing versatility.

Cons of Using Bonsai

• Payouts may take 7-10 business days, causing delays.
• Basic accounting features lack advanced automation.

Pricing

• Starter—$21 per month, billed annually: Ideal for freelancers and small businesses just starting out. Includes features like invoicing, contracts, and client CRM.
• Professional—$32 per month, billed annually: Better tools for growing businesses, offering unlimited clients and projects, proposals, and time tracking.
• Business—$66 per month, billed annually: Designed for larger teams, providing priority support, custom branding, and advanced reporting features. 

Free trial: Yes, 14 days.

What Users Say About Bonsai

Rating on Capterra: 4.6 out of 5

“ “Great way to centralize your business“

Overall: Overall good! Happy to have my business admin simplified.

Pros: Being able to have my contracts, invoicing, and scheduling all in one place has really helped to streamline the backend parts of my business.

Cons: The initial payout for the invoicing was over two weeks. I understand that it is in place to ensure security, however, that amount of time can feel like forever to a small business.”- Sarah B

5. Wrike: Best for Advanced and Detailed Project Management

Wrike is a comprehensive project management platform designed to boost productivity and collaboration across teams. Known for its features, it caters to businesses of all sizes, from small agencies to large enterprises.

With Wrike, you can streamline your workflow through customizable dashboards, task management, and real-time collaboration tools. The platform’s visual timeline (Gantt chart) and workload view help teams manage deadlines and allocate resources efficiently.

Additionally, Wrike offers powerful integrations with popular tools like Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Salesforce, enhancing your existing workflows. Its advanced reporting and analytics provide valuable insights into project performance, ensuring teams stay on track and meet their goals.

Features of Wrike

Here are the features of Wrike:

• Versatile Project Views: Wrike offers a range of project views, including Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and table views, allowing creative agencies to choose the most effective layout for managing their projects.

• Advanced Task Management: Wrike’s task management features include custom workflows, task dependencies, and the ability to add comments, attachments, and due dates, ensuring smooth project execution and collaboration.
• Integration Capabilities: Wrike integrates with numerous tools like Slack, Google Drive, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
• Collaborative Proofing and Approval: The platform provides tools for collaborative proofing and approval of creative assets, enabling teams to receive feedback and obtain client approvals efficiently.
• Time Tracking and Resource Management: Wrike includes built-in time tracking and resource management features, helping agencies allocate resources effectively and monitor project costs.

• Custom Dashboards and Reporting: Wrike offers customizable dashboards and advanced reporting tools, providing insights into project performance and helping teams make data-driven decisions.

Pros of Using Wrike

• Excellent customer support ensures smooth user experience.
• Agile and adaptable tool for various workflows.
• Effective collaboration keeps teams on the same page.
• Customizable templates streamline recurring project tasks.

Cons of Using Wrike

• Local applications can be sluggish at times.
• Lacks task prioritization features for efficient management.

Wrike Pricing

• Free—Basic: Project management for individuals or small teams just getting started. Includes simple task management and file sharing.
• Team—$9.80 per user per month, billed annually: Offers comprehensive project planning with Gantt charts, advanced integrations, and shared dashboards.
• Business—$24.80 per user per month, billed annually: Suitable for growing companies needing custom workflows, time tracking, and project portfolio management.
• Enterprise—Custom pricing: For large organizations requiring advanced security, compliance, and extensive customization options.
• Pinnacle—Custom pricing: Advanced tools for complex work needs with professional services and premium support. 

Free trial: Yes, 14 days.

What Users Say About Wrike

Rating on Capterra: 4.3 out of 5

“Wrike- great product for collaboration “

Overall: Overall it is a great product and excited to see how it improves

Pros: Easy to use, lots of training sessions that could be utilized.

Cons: There are some elements in there that are not as intuitive and have to be re-learned/get used to”- Cherry c

How is Creative Agency Project Management Any Different?

Creative agency project management stands apart from other types of project management due to its unique demands and workflows. Unlike traditional project management, which often follows linear processes, creative agency management requires a more fluid and adaptable approach. Here’s how it stands apart:

1. Emphasis on Collaboration: Creative projects thrive on collaboration. Tools include real-time collaborative editing, shared workspaces, and integrated feedback systems to facilitate seamless teamwork.
2. Visual and Flexible Planning: Creative projects benefit from visual planning tools like Kanban boards and Gantt charts that support the non-linear nature of creative work, allowing teams to see the big picture and adjust tasks on the fly.
3. Client-Centric Processes: Client involvement is integral to creative projects. Tools typically offer client portals, easy file sharing, and feedback tracking to streamline client interactions.
4. Asset Management: Managing creative assets is crucial. Specialized tools provide digital asset management features, ensuring all materials are organized, easily accessible, and secure.
5. Customization and Branding: Creative projects often require customized workflows and branded client interactions. Project management solutions offer high levels of customization, allowing agencies to tailor workflows and maintain consistent branding.
6. Iteration and Feedback Loops: Creative projects go through multiple iterations. Tools support iterative processes with features that track changes, manage revisions, and facilitate ongoing feedback.
7. Creative Workflow Integration: Effective project management software integrates with design, editing, and production tools, ensuring smooth transitions between stages and synchronization of all project components.

Creative agency project management tools are designed to accommodate the dynamic, collaborative, and iterative nature of creative work, making them fundamentally different from traditional project management solutions.

What are The Advantages of Using Creative Agency Project Management Software?

Now that we know which software is best needed for creative agencies managing projects, you may be wondering what exactly are its benefits. In this segment we will understand why you need creative agency project management software:

Document Lifecycle Management

Creative project management tools track documents from creation to final approval, ensuring every step is monitored. This helps manage changes, maintain version control, and keep the workflow smooth. It’s a reliable way to avoid mix-ups and stay organized.

Real-Time Proofing and Approvals

Integrated proofing and approval features allow for immediate feedback, centralizing comments and revisions. This makes the review process seamless and speeds up approvals, reducing delays. No more sifting through endless emails—everything is in one place.

Centralized Team Communication

Built-in chat and commenting systems keep all project-related communications in one spot. This ensures everyone stays on the same page, improving collaboration. Teams can easily share updates, discuss progress, and provide feedback directly within the tool.

Client and External Access

Clients and external partners can access the project management system to view progress and give feedback. This reduces the need for constant emails, making the process more transparent. Clients feel more involved, which strengthens relationships and satisfaction.

Accurate Time Tracking

Time tracking features record billable hours, ensuring accurate client billing and optimized workflow. Agencies can easily manage multiple projects, maintaining profitability and meeting deadlines. It’s a crucial tool for resource management.

Seamless Software Integrations

Integration with popular creative software like Adobe Creative Suite ensures a smooth workflow. Tasks and files remain interconnected, reducing the need to switch between tools. This boosts efficiency and keeps the creative process uninterrupted.

Visual Task Management

Tools like Kanban boards and Gantt charts offer visual representations of task progress and timelines. This helps manage dependencies and keep projects on schedule. Teams can quickly spot bottlenecks and adjust plans, ensuring timely completion.

Personalized Dashboards

Customizable dashboards allow teams to prioritize and access key information quickly. This keeps them focused on tasks and metrics that drive productivity. Tailoring views to specific needs fosters a more organized and efficient work environment..

How to Choose the Right Creative Agency Project Management Software 

Selecting the right project management software for your creative agency can significantly increase productivity, streamline workflows, and improve client satisfaction. Here’s a structured approach to help you make the best choice:

Understand Your Agency’s Specific Needs

Start by identifying what your agency truly needs. Creative teams often require tools for brainstorming, visual task management, and collaborative documentation. 

So, focus on essential features like Kanban boards, file sharing, and client approval workflows to meet these demands effectively.

Compare All-in-One vs. Niche Tools

Next, decide if you need an all-in-one solution or specialized tools. All-in-one platforms simplify workflows by integrating various functions into one place. 

However, niche tools may offer more depth in specific areas like design collaboration or detailed analytics, depending on your agency’s focus.

Evaluate Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Solutions

Consider whether a cloud-based or on-premise solution is better suited for your agency. Cloud-based tools are accessible and cost-effective, especially for remote teams, but they might raise security concerns. 

On-premise solutions, while offering more control over data, require more IT resources and infrastructure.

Assess Integration Capabilities

Also, ensure the software integrates smoothly with your existing tools. Look for compatibility with design tools, CRM systems, and communication platforms to maintain a seamless workflow. Proper integration helps avoid disruptions and keeps your projects running smoothly.

Consider User Experience and Support

Additionally, choose software with an intuitive interface that’s easy to use. Tools that require extensive training can disrupt your operations. Therefore, check user reviews and consider the level of support offered, such as onboarding assistance and tutorials.

Test with Free Trials

Finally, take advantage of free trials to see how well the software fits your agency’s workflow. Testing different tools before making a commitment ensures that you choose the best one for your specific needs.

How to Implement Create Agency Project Management Tools in Your Agency

Implementing project management tools in your agency can streamline operations, boost productivity, and enhance collaboration. Here’s how to effectively integrate these tools into your workflow in five steps:

1. Identify Needs and Goals

Determine what you want to achieve with the project management tool. Focus on improving task tracking, enhancing communication, or streamlining client approvals. Clear goals will help in selecting the right tool and measuring its success.

2. Choose the Right Tool

Select a tool that fits your agency’s specific needs. Look for features like visual task management, file sharing, team collaboration, time tracking, and client portals. Ensure it integrates with your existing software for a seamless workflow.

3. Plan and Train

Develop a detailed implementation plan with a timeline and assigned responsibilities. Provide comprehensive training through workshops, online tutorials, and user guides. Encourage your team to explore the tool and ask questions to get comfortable with its features.

4. Migrate Data and Set Up Workflows

Gradually transfer existing projects into the new system, starting with ongoing projects. Establish standard workflows and templates for recurring tasks to save time and ensure consistency. Customize workflows to match your agency’s processes.

5. Monitor, Adjust, and Evaluate

Continuously monitor the tool’s performance and its impact on your workflow. Gather feedback from your team and clients to identify any issues. 

Adjust the tool’s settings and processes as needed. After a few months, evaluate its effectiveness in meeting your initial goals and refine your use of the tool based on these insights.

So, What’s the Best Agency Management Software?

Agency Handy stands out as the top choice for creative agencies. It offers robust order management tools, including Kanban boards, that keep your team on track and ensure deadlines are met. Visual task management makes it easy to stay organized and avoid any overlooked tasks.

Next, consider its seamless file-sharing capabilities. With secure and organized storage, managing design assets and client documents becomes effortless. Plus, the generous storage space, ranging from 1 TB to 20 TB, handles even the largest files with ease.

Client approval workflows are another game-changer. They streamline feedback and approval processes, keeping projects on schedule and clients satisfied. This, combined with centralized team communication, boosts productivity by ensuring everyone stays in sync.

Lastly, customization options elevate your brand’s professionalism. Tailor the platform to reflect your agency’s identity through customized client portals and personalized emails. 

Agency Handy also offers an excellent client portal solution for small businesses, bringing together all the features creative agencies need to enhance workflows, collaboration, and client satisfaction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right project management software is important if you want to streamline your operations and increase productivity. 

The best tools help you manage tasks visually, share files securely, handle client approvals smoothly, and keep all communication in one place. These features are essential for managing complex projects effectively.

Take the time to assess your specific needs and try out different tools. This will help you find the one that works best for you. The right software can greatly improve your workflow and make your clients happier. 

Investing in the right tool can make a big difference in your agency’s success and lead to better results for your clients.

FAQs

What features should I look for in project management software for creative agencies?

You should look for features like visual task management (such as Kanban boards), file sharing, client approval workflows, and centralized communication. Integration with design tools, customizable dashboards, and time tracking are also valuable. These features streamline processes and enhance collaboration.

How can project management software improve collaboration in a creative agency?

Project management software improves collaboration by providing a central platform for communication, file sharing, and real-time task updates. Tools like integrated chat and shared task lists keep everyone on the same page, reducing miscommunication and ensuring project progress is clear.

Are there project management tools that integrate well with design software?

Yes, many tools integrate smoothly with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma. These integrations make it easy to share design files, collaborate in real-time, and streamline feedback, helping your creative team work more efficiently.

What are the benefits of using cloud-based project management software for creative agencies?

Cloud-based software offers easy access from anywhere, real-time updates, and lower upfront costs. It enables effective collaboration for remote teams, provides scalable storage, and ensures secure, accessible project data.

How do I choose between an all-in-one solution and niche tools for project management?

Choose an all-in-one solution if you need a comprehensive tool that covers various aspects of project management. Opt for niche tools if you require specialized functionality. Consider your agency’s needs, budget, and workflow preferences to decide the best fit.