Marketers have a lot of moving parts to deal with, and on top of that, tracking projects manually becomes an added headache. That's why marketers need a specialized project management tool that eases these specific pain points and offers a 360-degree view of clients, projects, and in-house teams.
One such tool is Cone, made for creative agencies and marketers looking to get ahead of tracking and following up all the time. It's an all-in-one tool for sending proposals, project management, and billing without juggling between several tools, emails, and documents.
Want to try the best all-in-one work management software? Sign Up for Cone here.
If you are still looking for a specialized marketing project management tool then this guide will help you. Let’s get started.
TL;DR - Marketing Project Management Tools You Can't Miss
Here is the list of best marketing project management tools if you are not that fond of reading through the whole blog:
- Cone
- Wrike
- Basecamp
- Teamwork
- Zoho Projects
- Hive
- Monday
- Trello
How is the Marketing Project Management Tool Any Different?
As marketing is different from other traits, it deserves dedicated tools that aim to ease the pain points in the most efficient ways. These tools are different in the following ways:
Designed for Marketing Workflows:
This software includes creative planning, creation, distribution, and analysis of content beneficial for every marketer. It supports these stages with tools such as content calendars, campaign planners, and asset libraries.
Integrated Features:
Services like social client proposals, time tracking, billing, and analytics can be managed through a single interface.
Content Collaboration and Approval Workflows:
The use of collaboration tools like version control, commenting capabilities, approval workflows, and digital asset management results in faster turnaround times and improved collaboration.
Real-time Analytics and Reporting:
With the use of specialized tools, team members can make real-time decisions based on the performance of the campaign.
Creative Asset Management:
Team members can produce and distribute content efficiently and consistently by storing, organizing, and distributing branding materials, images, videos, and other creative assets.
What to Look for in Marketing Project Management Software?
When picking marketing project management software, keep these key features in mind:
Client Portal:
Your marketing project management software should have a dedicated client portal as you have for in-house teams. This lets clients track and stay informed of the ongoing activities. Client portals also reduce the need to follow up and notify every time there is a change.
Automation:
Choose software that automates tasks like starting new projects and giving out tasks. This makes it easier to bring new team members on board and cuts down on boring manual work.
Team collaboration:
Good communication tools are vital for managing marketing projects. Pick a system that makes it simple for teams to work together, talk, and comment on tasks.
Integrations:
It is good to have a tool that has the capabilities of billing software, time tracking software, proposal software, etc., so that your workflow is automated. This will ensure that you have access to all your data in one place.
Analytics & Tracking:
Make sure the software you pick has real-time analytics, tracking, and reporting. This lets you keep an eye on how your team is doing and find areas to get better.
Security & Privacy:
Online data safety is super important. Make sure your chosen platform has strong security to protect your data.
8 Marketing Project Management Tools To Consider
Cone
Cone Work OS is a cutting-edge project management tool designed to streamline the entire lifecycle of professional services projects. From interactive project proposals to comprehensive invoicing and billing, Cone Work OS simplifies proposal-to-payment processes, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction.
Top Features:
- Integrated email i.e. shared inbox with client
- A dedicated client portal
- Project Scheduling & Time Tracking
- Client and Team Communication Tools
- Task and Project Management dashboard
- Document Management with e-signature capabilities
- Customizable Reporting and Analytics
- High-level Compliance and Security
- Interactive Project Proposals with e-Sign for agreements
- Comprehensive Invoicing & Billing automation
- Payment Processing Integration with major gateways
Pros:
- Enhances project efficiency and simplifies the payment process
- Facilitates seamless communication between clients and teams
- Offers robust analytics for informed decision-making
- Ensures compliance and data security
Cons
- There could be a bit of a learning curve
Best For:
- Accounting and Professional Services
- Marketing & Creative Agencies
- Legal Firms
Pricing:
- Starter: $5 per user/month
- Essentials: $10 per user/month
- Business: $15 per user/month
Wrike
Wrike is a versatile work management platform that streamlines workflows for all departments, making project management and collaboration efficient and straightforward. Wrike adapts to your team's needs, ensuring project success.
Top Features:
- Customizable project proposals with e-Sign
- Automated invoicing & billing
- Payment processing integration
- Project scheduling & time tracking
- Team communication tools
- Task and project management dashboard
- Secure document management
- Reporting and analytics
Pros:
- Enhances team efficiency and project visibility
- Customizable to fit various workflows
- Supports extensive third-party integrations
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Customization requires time to set up properly
Best For:
- Marketing and creative teams
- IT & Engineering departments
- Operations and professional services
Pricing:
- Free: Basic task management features
- Team: $9.80/user/month for growing teams
- Business: $24.80/user/month for comprehensive project management
- Enterprise & Pinnacle: Advanced features and security, contact for pricing
Basecamp
Basecamp offers a refreshingly simple approach to project management, helping small teams achieve incredible progress quickly. It's the go-to platform for streamlined workflows and enhanced collaboration.
Top Features:
- Card Table for kanban-style task management
- Mission Control for an overview of multiple projects
- A unified page for each project for centralized information
- Automated onboarding and simplified billing
Pros:
- Enhances team collaboration and efficiency
- Simplifies project tracking and management
- Consolidates tools for chat, file sharing, and scheduling
Cons:
- May lack advanced features for larger teams
- Some users find the interface too simple for complex projects
Best For:
- Small teams and businesses
- Marketing, creative agencies, and freelancers
Pricing:
- Free trial available
- Contact Basecamp for detailed pricing information
Teamwork
Teamwork aims to simplify and optimize all aspects of managing client work. It provides powerful tools to manage projects, coordinate tasks, and ensure efficient workflows, making it ideal for client services businesses like agencies, consulting, and IT services.
Top Features
- Manages client projects for streamlined task organization, timeline tracking, and team responsibility allocation.
- Keeps teams on top of every client-related task, timeline, and billable minute for enhanced accountability.
- Optimizes team capacities and workloads for increased profitability and to prevent burnout.
- Facilitates seamless communication within teams and with clients for centralized work management and full visibility.
- Connects seamlessly with a range of external tools for enhanced functionality and unified client work management.
Pros
- Ideal for client-focused businesses.
- Improves communication and alignment between teams and clients.
- Allows seamless connection with other tools to streamline workflows.
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for new users. Plus, it has a steep learning curve for using advanced features
- Most of the useful features & tool are in the high-end subscription pack
- Offers quite limited number of offline functioning of the platform
Pricing
- Has a Free pack with limited offering
- Deliver: $9.99 or $13.99 per user/month if billed annually or monthly respectively (minimum 3 users)
- Grow: $19.99 or 25.99 per user/month if billed annually or monthly respectively (minimum 5 users)
Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects will help you boost productivity and improve collaboration. This product is perfect for providing a complete set of tools to track work efficiently, plan projects and collaborate with global teams.
Top Features:
- Gantt charts for project planning and tracking
- Timesheets for logging billable and non-billable hours
- Task automation to save time on routine tasks
- Seamless integrations with favorite apps
- Extensive project customization options
Pros:
- Comprehensive project management features
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- May be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features
- Customization requires effort to set up
Best For:
- Small to large businesses across various industries
- Teams looking for customizable project management solutions
Pricing:
- Offers a free version with basic features
- Paid plans available, offering more advanced features and capabilities. Contact Zoho Projects for detailed pricing.
Hive
Hive is a project management tool designed to boost team productivity and streamline project workflows, Hive offers customizable templates, multiple project views, and a democratic platform built by users, making project management a breeze.
Top Features:
- Various project views (Kanban, Gantt, Table, Portfolio, Calendar, List)
- Template library for quick project setup
- Task automation and customization
- Integration with popular apps
- AI Assistant for project planning and content optimization
Pros:
- User-friendly with multiple view options
- Customizable to suit different project needs
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming with many features
- Customization may require initial setup time
Best For:
- Marketing teams
- Agencies
- Design teams
- Enterprises looking for a comprehensive project management solution
Pricing:
- Free: Basic features with limited storage
- Starter: $1/user/month for entry-level management
- Teams: $3/user/month for comprehensive features
- Enterprise: Contact for custom solutions and support
Monday
Team members can collaborate and achieve shared goals at scale with Monday.com's work management software. Work can be organized and executed efficiently. The platform offers tools to plan, manage, and track work from high-level goals to everyday tasks. Work is more efficient and connected with the platform. It supports various business processes across different industries.
Top Features
- Seamless task management with convenient interface.
- It offers customizable workflows and boards to cater to dynamic project requirements.
- It is integrated with commonly used team collaboration softwares like Google Drive, Slack, and Zoom.
- Automation options to streamline recurring tasks.
Pros
- A user-friendly and visual interface that improves collaboration and efficiency.
- It can be tailored to varied team structures and project requirements.
- Multiple templates based on template and project and industry types.
Cons
- High pricing compared to other alternatives.
- Additional learning and configuration may be necessary in case of advanced features.
Best for
Teams looking for dynamic and collaborating work management software that can cater to different projects and workflows.
Pricing
Basic - $8/user/month
Standard - $10/user/month
Pro - $16/user/month
Enterprise - Custom pricing available
Trello
Trello is an excellent tool for organizing and managing tasks using boards, lists, and cards. The tool is an effective project management software that helps marketing teams organize and manage their tasks effectively. Trello is simple to set up, but it offers powerful customization features to fit different workflows.
Top Features
- Boards, lists, and cards to provide clear visibility into who is doing what and when.
- Create rules, buttons, and commands that help move work forward efficiently.
- Integrate seamlessly with popular apps like Slack and Jira to enhance workflow and streamline communication.
- Customize workflows for a variety of team needs, from meetings and events to goal setting and project execution.
- Unlimited cards and use various Power-Ups on each board to expand functionality and adapt to different project requirements.
Pros
- Visually appealing boards
- Customize boards, workflows, and Power-Ups.
- Built-in collaboration tools
- Automate repetitive tasks.
Cons
- Relatively basic reporting capabilities
- No time-tracking features.
- Boards can lead to clutter
Best for
- Individual users, Small teams, and Enterprises that require a simplified approach to manage tasks and do project collaboration through visually appealing boards.
Pricing
- Trello Standard: $5 per user/month
- Trello Premium: $10 per user/month
- Trello Enterprise: $17.50 user/month
How to Implement Project Management Tools in Marketing
Follow these steps to make project management tools work effectively for your marketing team:
Choose the Right Tool:
Identify and choose one tool that is easy to use and fits your workflow.
Set Clear Goals:
Decide what you want from the tool? Whether it is better task tracking, better team communication, or more efficient project management.
Train Your Team:
Make sure everyone knows the basics by demonstrating the use of the tool. For example: how to create tasks, set deadlines, and communicate.
Start with a Pilot Project:
Attempting one use of the tool will determine how well the tool works and if any adjustments are needed.
Keep It Simple:
Use the most important features first, such as task assignments and due dates. You can explore more features as your team becomes more comfortable.
Encourage Team Use:
More frequent use of the tool will improve its effectiveness.
Gather Feedback:
Always use feedback to improve your use of the tool by understanding what works and what doesn't.
Adjust as You Go:
Be prepared to customize your use of the tool based on feedback and what the team needs.
Integrate with Other Tools:
Look into connecting your email, chat, or file sharing software with your project management software. This can save you time and keep everything organized.
Review Regularly:
Look at how the tool is assisting your team every few months. Find out if there are any new features you should try or old features that you do not require.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Marketing Project Management Software?
It allows teams to track tasks and deadlines. Team members can collaborate effectively using marketing project management software.
- Lets you set project timelines
- Assigns tasks to people
- Shares files and documents
- Keeps everyone updated on progress
The software makes it more straightforward to see what needs to be done and by when. It ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and that marketing projects are completed on time.
What Makes a Great Marketing Project Management Tool?
A great tool easily organizes tasks, tracks progress, and enhances team collaboration, all while being user-friendly.
How Can Marketing Teams Choose the Right Tool?
Teams should look for tools that match their workflow, support easy integration with other apps, and fit within their budget.
Are There Free Marketing Project Management Tools Available?
Yes, there are free tools available that offer basic project management features suitable for small teams or startups
How Do These Tools Integrate With Other Marketing Software?
Most tools can connect directly to other software via built-in integrations or APIs, allowing for seamless data sharing and workflow automation.
Conclusion
Tools like Cone are essential for streamlining workflows, improving team collaboration, and delivering projects on time.
With comprehensive features tailored for marketing and creative agencies, Cone offers everything from project scheduling to client communication and accounting integration.
By adopting Cone, your team can focus on delivering exceptional marketing results, backed by a platform designed for your success.
Start transforming your creative project management today with Cone.