The right project management software can be a boon for creative agencies. Software and tools tailored specifically for creative agencies help them ensure convenient task management, streamline workflow, and ensure smooth collaboration among teams.
Several software solutions can provide creative agencies with advanced solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of their projects. Read on as we explore different tools that offer creative agencies the best project management solution.
TL;DR - Best Creative Agency Project Management Software & Tools
Software tailored specifically to creative agencies is needed to streamline operations and improve collaboration among their teams.
In this blog, we'll discuss each of these in detail, so you can pick the best project management tool for your creative agency.
- Cone
- Wrike
- LiquidPlanner
- Scoro
- FreedCamp
- Teamwork
- Proofhub
- Workamajig
Your search for the best project management tool ends with Cone. It boasts a user-friendly interface and has all the features essential to facilitate team collaboration, and client collaboration and improve the efficiency of your creative agency.
How is Creative Agency Project Management Any Different?
There’s a difference between how project management works in a creative agency and other organizations. Some differentiating factors are as listed below:
Creativity is Key: Agency project management focuses on creativity and innovation throughout their project lifecycle. In these agencies, projects require originality and creativity, in addition to exploring new ideas, which also makes a difference in their project management strategies.
Creative Tools: In creative agencies, tools that are visually appealing and creative are often used for collaboration between team members. Mood boards, design previews, and file-sharing capabilities are important in order to ensure a seamless flow of images, videos, and other creative assets.
Unique & Flexible Workflows: Creative projects in these agencies often require customized workflows. Project management software, as such, should allow customization in terms of task lists, project templates, and workflow to cater to different projects.
Advantages of Using Project Management Software in Creative Agencies
Using efficient project management software in creative agencies can benefit them in several ways. Here’s how:
Enhanced Team Productivity and Efficiency
Tools help establish convenient collaboration and streamline communication, helping reach project deadlines quickly. In addition, task management also becomes easy with project management software in place. Through this, teams can focus more on their creativity and timely delivery of tasks.
Improved Client Satisfaction and Communication
Project management software allows transparent project tracking and provides real-time updates. This allows clear communication and fosters trust between the agency and the client. With collaborative features, individuals can get client feedback and approvals seamlessly.
Streamlined Workflow and Reduced Project Overhead
Automated processes result in a major reduction in administrative burdens and overhead costs. Streamlined workflows allow teams to optimize resource allocation and scheduling, minimize project delays, and deliver projects on budget, maintaining the project's profitability.
Better Resource Allocation and Utilization
Complete resource management helps creative agencies allocate resources based on the requirements of their project and team availability. Proper resource utilization ensures that projects are well-staffed, there are minimum bottlenecks, and project outcomes are maximized.
Essential Features to Look for in Creative Project Management Tools
Any creative agency looking for project management software must consider certain factors. It’s important to ensure that the software ticks certain checkboxes.
Project and Task Management Capabilities
The software should have the necessary features to create and assign projects and track their progress. Features like task lists, milestones, and deadlines can help with better project management. They also allow streamlining tasks, getting approvals, and improving project efficiency.
Collaboration and Communication Tools
Collaboration becomes convenient through commenting, messaging, and discussions through project management software. Teams can collaborate and share files, making it convenient for everyone to remain updated. Look for app integration with popular communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for seamless collaboration.
Time Tracking and Budget Management
With a time-tracking feature, you can check the hours you spend on tasks and projects. This helps ensure accurate building and allocation of resources. You can monitor your expenses and ensure you do not exceed your budget.
Client Portal:
There should be a dedicated client portal like you have your in-house team portal. This lets your client track and stay informed about the ongoing activities. Client portals also reduce the need to follow up and notify every time a change is made.
Customizable Dashboards and Reporting
Look for customizable dashboards, as they offer a visual overview of the project, in addition to key metrics, deadlines, and other important details. Reporting tools may also help create reports and analytics on project progress, team performance, and client satisfaction. You may also get to visualize project data with the help of charts, graphs, and heatmaps for a better understanding.
Scalability and Integration Options
It’s essential for the software to be scalable so it accommodates growing team sizes without affecting performance or usability. Integration with essential tools and platforms, including design software, CRM systems, cloud storage systems, etc., must be considered.
Top Creative Agency Project Management Software & Tools for 2024
Cone
Cone is a new-age, work management software tailored to help advance creative agencies, offering a comprehensive platform for client portal, proposals, in-house projects, workflows, billing, invoicing, and more, all at a fraction of the cost of other solutions.
Top Features
- You get a dedicated client portal so that your clients are always informed and stay aligned with all the ongoing tasks.
- Utilize premium, customizable templates to create web-based project proposals that reflect your agency's unique brand and style.
- Secure instant eSignatures for project proposals, ensuring a faster start to projects.
- Streamline your billing process with automated invoice generation and integrated payment processing.
- Easily schedule project milestones and track time to ensure accurate billing and project management.
- Keep your team and clients in sync with secure messaging, email, and SMS features.
- Manage project documents securely with the ability to create templates and gather e-signatures.
- Gain insights into project financials, team performance, and client engagement with customizable reports and real-time dashboards.
Pros
- Creative agencies save significantly in subscription costs by consolidating several tools like invoices, billing, project management, and client management..
- Cone’s work management solution has an intuitive interface that allows seamless collaboration. It also has several interactive features, such as real-time chat functionality and visual project boards, to further improve productivity.
- It has several customizable project templates to help creative agencies to streamline their project workflows and accurately basis the unique requirements of each project. This can be highly beneficial in ensuring optimal efficiency and adaptability.
- Its powerful analytics tools help creative agencies gain thorough insights into various project performance metrics, allowing them to make informed decisions and do strategic planning for future projects.
Cons
- There could be a bit of a learning curve
Best For
Creative agencies seeking all-round project management solutions for automating projects and fostering collaboration among team members, as well as with the clients.
Pricing:
- Starter: $5 per user/month
- Essentials: $10 per user/month
- Business: $15 per user/month
Wrike
Wrike is a dynamic project management software. Its versatile design allows task management, and streamlines collaboration among teams in a creative agency.
Top Features
- Customizable workflows and boards to ensure flexible planning.
- An intuitive and user-friendly design.
- Seamless integration with various apps such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and cloud-storage solutions like Google Drive.
- Gantt charts and visual project tracking and resource allocation.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface for improved team collaboration and increased productivity.
- Powerful reporting and analytics features for tracking the performance and progress of projects.
- Customizable project templates tailored to different projects.
Cons
- Lack of certain advanced features.
- Pricing is high compared to similar project management tools.
Best For
Creative agencies looking for all-encompassing project management solutions which can aid them in automating their projects and fostering collaboration.
Pricing
Professional: $9.80/user/month
Business: $24.80/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing available
LiquidPlanner
LiquidPlanner is a project management software relied upon by several creative agencies which helps them with resource management and scheduling.
Top Features
- Resource management tools that help equally divide the workload and improve the efficiency of project delivery.
- Versatile interface that adapts to the changing needs and deadlines.
- Advanced analytics and tracking feature.
Pros:
- Automated feature for scheduling and prioritizing to prevent missed deadlines.
- Prevention of overallocation of tasks.
- Convenient, real-time collaboration to keep teams aligned.
Cons:
- Increased learning curve for new users, which may delay adoption.
- Higher pricing compared to other software providing similar features.
Best for
Creative agencies with complex projects that involve resource constraints or changing priorities.
Pricing:
Professional: $45/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing available
Scoro
Scoro is comprehensive software that integrates project management, CRM, and billing features. It’s a fit for creative agencies that want an all-in-one solution for their business.
Top Features
- Comprehensive project management, CRM, and billing features to streamline different business operations.
- Assign tasks based on true capacity for successful project delivery.
- Resource planning tools to improve team allocation and boost productivity.
- Track project timelines in a Gantt chart and share updates with stakeholders.
Pros
- There’s no need to use different tools or software.
- Integration with important third-party applications for improved functionality and collaboration.
- Get a real-time overview of results and ensure your projects make money.
- Customizable workflows and automation options.
Cons
Higher prices compared to other tools for creative agencies.
Additional training for certain advanced-level tools.
Best for
Creative agencies seek an all-in-one project management tool that can improve team collaboration and offers just the perfect blend of project management, CRM, and billing options.
Pricing:
Essential: $26/user/month
Work Hub: $37/user/month
Sales Hub: $37/user/month
Custom pricing available for Enterprise plan
Freedcamp
Freedcamp is a project management tool featuring an easy-to-navigate design that offers all the necessary tools to make project management an effortless process that practically manages itself.
Top Features
- Easy task management with customizable lists and boards.
- Reuse workflows to save time, reduce errors, and ensure consistency.
- Store all your files in Freedcamp with unlimited storage space.
- Easy integration with popular apps for productivity.
- Convenient collaboration tools like file sharing, forums, and calendars.
Pros
- Got a free plan for small teams with basic project management stuff.
- It has an easy interface, and no need for heavy training to understand it.
- Prices? They're flexible and fit any business size.
Cons
- Not as many fancy features as some other tools.
- Could use more options to customize and integrate.
Best for
Small to medium-sized creative agencies seeking a simple and budget project management solution.
Pricing:
Free: Basic project management features
Minimalist: $1.49/user/month
Business: $7.49/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing available
Teamwork
Teamwork is a popular project management software designed to offer streamlined agency operations with end-to-end client management.
Top Features
- Advanced task management features such as customize lists, milestones, and dependencies.
- Collaboration tools such as Messaging, file sharing, real-time notifications.
- Time tracking and resource management features.
- Integration with Google Drive, Slack, Dropbox, and more.
Pros
- Powerful project planning and tracking of large-scale projects.
- Intuitive interface with customizable templates and workflows.
- Dedicated support and training to maximize capabilities.
Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to some other project management tools.
- Learning curve associated with the platform's advanced features may require initial training for team adoption.
Best for
Medium to large-sized creative agencies looking for an all-encompassing advanced project management solution with customization options.
Pricing:
Pro: $10/user/month billed annually
Premium: $18/user/month billed annually
Enterprise: Custom pricing available
Proofhub
ProofHub is all-in-one project management software that simplifies project planning, collaboration, and workflow management for creative teams.
Top Features
- Customize tasks with lists, Kanban boards, and Gantt charts.
- Track time, billable hours, and team performance.
- Collaborate via discussions, file sharing, and @mentions.
- Integrate with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Slack.
Pros
- Comprehensive solution offering project management, collaboration, and time tracking.
- Dedicated support and training for smooth onboarding.
- Customizable views on a convenient interface.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to some other tools.
- Pricing is relatively higher than similar platforms.
Pricing
Essential: $45/month
Ultimate Control: $89/month
Custom pricing available for the Enterprise plan
Workamajig
Workamajig is a project management and resource management software for creative teams that offers collaboration and seamless operations, coupled with comprehensive business insights through real-time dashboards and financial reports.
Top Features
- Planning tools with customizable templates.
- Various financial tools for budgeting, expenses, and client invoicing.
- Resource management for capacity planning, allocation, and tracking.
- Seamless integration with accounting software, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
Pros
- Designed for creative agencies with customizable features.
- All-round support and training for implementation and adoption.
- Powerful reporting for project performance and finances.
Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to other project management tools.
- The higher learning curve is associated with the tool’s advanced features.
Best for
Medium to large-sized creative agencies are in search of an advanced and all-encompassing project management solution with integrated resource management and financial management features.
Pricing
Custom pricing is available based on agency size and requirements
How to Implement Project Management Tools in Your Agency
Assess Your Agency’s Specific Needs
Start by evaluating how your agency’s project management processes function and looking for areas for improvement. Consider the specific features and functionalities required in a project management tool to address your company's needs and goals. Assess your team size, project, client requirements, and budget when assessing your needs.
Involve Your Team in the Selection Process
Take our team’s input as they’d be using the software daily. Ask them about their workflow and usability requirements preferences to ensure their needs and expectations are being met. This would also help increase the likelihood of successful software adoption.
Train and Support for Smooth Adoption
To ensure your team understands the software, organize comprehensive training and onboarding sessions to allow your team to familiarize with your team with the new tool. Provide any support or resources required during the adoption process.
Monitor and Adjust for Continuous Improvement
Make sure you regularly track usage, engagement, and feedback on the software to check its effectiveness. Look at the areas for improvement and make adjustments accordingly to optimize the tool's usage. This is essential for continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Choosing the right project management software is of the utmost importance for creative agencies seeking to improve their workflow and collaboration. Solutions customized to the unique needs of creative projects allow agencies to manage their tasks much more efficiently and streamline their processes.
Cone’s work management tool is tailored for creative agencies, offering unparalleled solutions for streamlined project management. So, we welcome improved workflows and growth with the Cone Project Management Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How Do Project Management Tools Enhance Creativity In Projects?
Project management tools provide a common platform for teams across creative agencies to collaborate and share their ideas and important files and documentation. These tools come with various features, including, but not limited to, task assignment, deadline tracking, and visualization of different processes, which help teams improve their creative tasks. Also, their integration allows teams to collaborate on creative assets seamlessly.
Can These Tools Be Integrated With Other Software Used In Creative Agencies?
Yes. Project management tools can be conveniently integrated with other tools used by the creative agency. These may include software for designing, communication, and cloud storage solutions. Integration of apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams improves collaboration among teams and enhances overall productivity. Other apps like Google Drive, ease sharing of files and documentation.
What Is The Average Cost Of Project Management Software For Creative Agencies?
The cost of project management software for creative agencies varies. It depends on the type of software, the features it offers, the size of the agency, the number of users, and other factors. Software companies may charge on the basis of subscriptions, which could be monthly or annual. Advanced software with more features tends to cost higher.
How Long Does It Typically Take For A Team To Adapt To A New Project Management Tool?
Generally, it can take a team a couple of days to some months to adapt to a new tool. The time it may take to adapt to this tool also depends on how complex the tool is, and whether the team is familiar with similar tools. With proper training and support, the team members can understand the software much quicker.