11 Best CRM for Digital Marketing Agencies in 2024

Digital marketing agencies are full of data, contacts, and leads, which is why they need a great CRM system to manage it all. To help with operations and ensure client relationships, the right customer relationship management software becomes an important tool.

For digital marketing agencies, selecting a CRM that aligns with their unique processes can significantly enhance productivity and client satisfaction. With options ranging from all-in-one solutions to niche-specific systems, finding the best CRM is needed for the agency's requirements and growth objectives.

• Best CRM for Digital Agencies

• CRM in Digital Marketing

• Evaluating CRM Options

• Maximizing CRM Usage

• CRM Data Management

• Automating Marketing

• Client Relationship Building

• Final Thoughts

What are The Best CRM for Digital Marketing Agencies?

Digital marketing agencies require CRM systems to manage client relationships effectively. Here are the top CRM solutions tailored to meet their unique needs with their key features pros and cons.

1. HubSpot CRM

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HubSpot CRM is renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features that cater specifically to inbound marketing strategies. It offers seamless integration with various marketing tools, which allows agencies to manage their marketing campaigns, sales pipelines, and customer service from a single platform. HubSpot’s automation capabilities are particularly valuable, enabling teams to streamline lead nurturing processes and personalize interactions based on user data.

Furthermore, HubSpot CRM provides extensive analytics and reporting features, which help agencies track and optimize their marketing efforts effectively. The CRM is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor workflows and processes to fit their specific needs. Additionally, its community and support are substantial, offering numerous resources and assistance to ensure users can maximize the CRM’s potential.

Lastly, HubSpot CRM's scalability makes it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises. The platform's free version is robust, offering basic tools necessary for CRM functions, while its paid plans provide advanced features such as sales forecasting, custom reporting, and increased automation capabilities. This flexibility makes HubSpot a popular choice among digital marketing agencies looking to grow and evolve their operations. Rate and review HubSpot CRM yourself.

Pricing

• Free plan available, premium bundle at $50/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams, Large teams

Get started with HubSpot CRM

2. Salesforce

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Salesforce is one of the most powerful and widely recognized CRM solutions globally, known for its extensive customization capabilities and scalability. It's particularly beneficial for digital marketing agencies that require complex workflow automation and in-depth customer data analysis. Salesforce offers a plethora of tools and features, including sales management, marketing automation, customer service, and business analytics, all accessible through a cloud-based platform.

The software's integration capabilities are a major strength, allowing users to connect with a vast array of third-party applications and services, which can enhance the CRM’s functionality. Additionally, Salesforce provides advanced AI features through Einstein AI, which helps agencies predict customer behavior, automate repetitive tasks, and personalize marketing campaigns.

However, the complexity and breadth of features offered by Salesforce can make it challenging for beginners to navigate. It often requires dedicated personnel or training to fully leverage the CRM's capabilities. For agencies committed to making the most of their CRM investment, Salesforce offers extensive resources and a supportive community to help users adapt and thrive. Rate and review Salesforce yourself.

Pricing

• Ranges from $25/user/month to $300/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Large teams

Get started with Salesforce

3. Zoho CRM

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Zoho CRM is designed for businesses of all sizes and offers a diverse range of modules and features that support sales, marketing, and customer support activities. Its affordability and flexibility make it a favorite among small to medium-sized digital marketing agencies. Zoho CRM provides automation tools that help streamline various operations, from lead generation to deal closure, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual effort.

One of Zoho CRM’s standout features is its ability to integrate with over 40 other Zoho applications, enabling agencies to manage almost every aspect of their operations using a unified platform. Additionally, the CRM supports integration with many external services and apps, which increases its functionality and adaptability to specific business needs.

Zoho CRM also offers robust analytics tools that help agencies gain deep insights into their sales processes and marketing effectiveness. These tools include customizable reports and dashboards, which provide valuable data visualizations to aid decision-making processes. With a strong focus on data security and compliance, Zoho ensures that client information is safely managed and protected. Rate and review Zoho CRM yourself.

Pricing

• Free for three users, paid plans from $14 to $52/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams, Large teams

Get started with Zoho CRM

4. Pipedrive

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Pipedrive is designed with usability and simplicity in mind, focusing on pipeline management. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized digital marketing agencies looking for an intuitive and straightforward CRM solution. Pipedrive's visual sales pipeline prompts users to take action, remain organized, and stay in control of the complex sales process.

Its strength lies in the CRM’s ability to automate repetitive tasks, allowing sales teams to focus on client interactions and closing deals. Moreover, Pipedrive offers excellent customization options, enabling users to tailor the interface and workflows to meet their specific operational needs. The CRM also integrates easily with various email platforms, marketing automation tools, and other business productivity apps, enhancing its overall utility.

Pipedrive's reporting features are simple yet effective, providing essential insights into sales performance and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, the platform's mobile support ensures that sales teams can access customer data and perform essential CRM tasks on the go, which is invaluable for dynamic and fast-paced agency environments. Rate and review Pipedrive yourself.

Pricing

• From $14 to $99/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Pipedrive

5. Freshworks CRM

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Freshworks CRM (or Freshsales) is known for its user-friendly design and all-in-one CRM capabilities that encompass sales, marketing, and customer service. The CRM is especially popular among digital marketing agencies due to its AI-driven insights, which help sales teams prioritize leads and opportunities based on their potential conversion rates and existing engagement levels.

The CRM offers a built-in email and phone system, allowing direct communication within the platform and ensuring that all interactions are logged and accessible for future reference. Freshworks CRM also features a robust automation suite that simplifies complex business processes by automating tasks, sales campaigns, and marketing processes, enabling teams to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.

Furthermore, Freshworks provides advanced analytical tools and customizable dashboards that deliver clear visibility into various metrics such as sales performance, customer activities, and campaign effectiveness. This data-driven approach helps agencies make informed decisions and tailor their strategies to achieve better results. Additionally, the CRM’s scalability makes it suitable for growing agencies that require more sophisticated features over time. Rate and review Freshworks CRM yourself.

Pricing

• From $9 to $59/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Freshworks CRM

6. monday.com CRM

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monday.com CRM, part of the broader Monday.com work operating system, offers a highly customizable platform that adapts to various business needs, making it suitable for digital marketing agencies that manage multiple projects and client interactions simultaneously. Its flexibility allows users to create custom workflows and boards, which can include everything from lead tracking to project management and customer support.

The platform’s strength lies in its visual and intuitive design, which enhances team collaboration and productivity by making information easily accessible and actionable. Monday.com CRM integrates seamlessly with various third-party tools, including marketing platforms, email services, and more, ensuring that agencies can maintain a holistic view of their operations and communications.

Moreover, Monday.com offers robust automation features that help reduce the need for manual input and repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus more on strategy and client engagement. The platform also includes comprehensive reporting tools that provide insights into performance metrics and help agencies measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and sales strategies. Rate and review Monday.com CRM yourself.

Pricing

• Starts at $12/seat/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams, Large teams

Get started with monday.com CRM

7. ActiveCampaign

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ActiveCampaign is distinguished by its strong focus on customer experience automation, combining email marketing, marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM functionalities into a single platform. It's particularly suited for digital marketing agencies that aim to create personalized customer journeys and improve client engagement through targeted communication strategies.

The platform's automation capabilities are among the most advanced, with the ability to create complex workflows based on specific triggers and actions, such as sending tailored emails based on customer behavior or updating lead scores automatically. ActiveCampaign also offers detailed reporting and analytics, which help agencies track the effectiveness of their campaigns and refine their marketing strategies accordingly.

In addition to its core features, ActiveCampaign places a strong emphasis on personalization, allowing users to deliver tailored content and messages across multiple channels, enhancing the overall customer experience. The CRM's integration with numerous third-party applications ensures that agencies can extend its functionality and tailor it to their specific needs without significant adjustments or overhauls. Rate and review ActiveCampaign yourself.

Pricing

• Begins at $19/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with ActiveCampaign

8. Keap

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Keap, previously known as Infusionsoft, offers a robust sales and marketing solution designed for small businesses, including digital marketing agencies. The platform combines CRM, email marketing, and sales automation to provide a comprehensive suite of tools that help streamline customer acquisition and retention processes. Keap is well-known for its advanced automation features, which allow users to create detailed, customized workflows to automate communications, lead capture, and follow-up processes.

The CRM aspect of Keap helps agencies organize customer information in one place, making it easy to track interactions, sales opportunities, and project details. The platform's strong integration capabilities allow it to connect with various e-commerce, payment, and web services, enhancing its utility for online marketing campaigns.

Furthermore, Keap offers a range of customization options, from the CRM interface to the automation rules, making it adaptable to the unique needs of marketing agencies. It also includes robust analytics tools that provide insights into campaign performance and customer behavior, enabling agencies to make data-driven decisions and optimize their marketing efforts continuously. Rate and review Keap yourself.

Pricing

• From $249/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Keap

9. Nutshell CRM

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Nutshell CRM is designed to be an easy-to-use, straightforward CRM solution for small businesses and agencies. It focuses on simplifying the CRM process while providing essential tools for sales and marketing. Nutshell offers an intuitive interface that helps users track leads and manage contacts efficiently, with minimal setup required.

The CRM includes powerful sales automation tools that automate key parts of the sales process, such as lead nurturing and follow-ups, allowing teams to focus more on relationship building and less on administrative tasks. Nutshell also provides detailed performance reporting, which helps agencies understand sales trends and identify opportunities for improvement.

Additionally, Nutshell integrates with a variety of other tools, including email platforms, social media, and productivity apps, ensuring that agencies can maintain comprehensive oversight of their activities and communications. Its user-friendly approach and affordable pricing make it an attractive choice for smaller agencies looking to implement their first CRM system. Rate and review Nutshell CRM yourself.

Pricing

• $19 to $67/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Nutshell CRM

10. Agile CRM

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Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM solution that integrates sales, marketing, and service capabilities into a single platform. It's designed for small to mid-sized businesses, including digital marketing agencies, looking for an affordable and versatile tool. Agile CRM features extensive marketing automation capabilities, web engagement tools, and a simple, intuitive user interface.

The CRM's sales tracking functionalities are robust, offering detailed insights into customer interactions and sales pipelines. Agile CRM's marketing module includes email marketing, landing pages, and social media integrations, allowing agencies to run comprehensive marketing campaigns from one platform.

Additionally, Agile CRM supports a range of third-party integrations and offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, which provide the flexibility needed for today’s mobile workforce. The CRM's service suite also includes helpdesk features and live chat capabilities, ensuring that agencies can provide timely and effective customer support. Rate and review Agile CRM yourself.

Pricing

• Free for up to 10 users, starts at $8.99/user/month for paid plans. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Agile CRM

11. Copper CRM

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Copper CRM, formerly known as ProsperWorks, is known for its deep integration with Google Workspace, making it an ideal choice for agencies that rely heavily on Google's tools. The CRM is designed to automate data entry and increase productivity by integrating closely with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google apps.

Copper's focus on building a natural extension to the user's workflow, particularly within the Google ecosystem, means that it is highly intuitive for those already familiar with Google products. It provides essential CRM features like lead and opportunity management, workflow automation, and project tracking, all within a familiar interface.

The platform also emphasizes collaboration, allowing team members to easily share information and updates. Copper offers powerful insights and reporting capabilities, which help agencies track their performance and make data-informed decisions. Its simplicity and seamless integration with Google make it a powerful tool for agencies looking to enhance their productivity without the complexity of traditional CRMs. Rate and review Copper CRM yourself.

Pricing

• Starts at $23/user/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams

Get started with Copper CRM

What is CRM in Digital Marketing?

Customer Relationship Management in digital marketing is the practice of managing and analyzing customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. It wants to improve business relationships, enhance customer service, and drive sales growth.

Basic Functions of CRM

• Data Management: A cornerstone function of CRM is the storage and organization of customer information. This data includes contact details, interaction history, and purchase records, which are crucial for personalized marketing efforts.

• Customer Tracking: CRMs enable tracking of customer actions across various digital marketing channels. This includes monitoring website visits, email engagements, and social media interactions, allowing marketers to understand customer preferences and behaviors.

• Workflow Automation: CRMs often encompass automation tools that assist in streamlining marketing campaigns. Tasks such as scheduling emails, segmenting audiences, and tracking lead progress are standardized, saving time and increasing efficiency for the team.

Benefits for Marketing Agencies

• Enhanced Targeting: By using CRM data, agencies can personalize their marketing strategies more effectively. This leads to better targeting of potential leads, thus improving the success rates of campaigns.

• Improved Customer Retention: CRM tools facilitate regular and relevant communication with existing clients. Agencies can offer timely solutions and support, which can increase customer loyalty and retention.

• Increased Efficiency: Automating routine tasks frees up time for agencies to focus on strategy and creative work. CRM systems can optimize operations and foster better collaboration among team members, yielding higher productivity.

• Analytical Insights: CRM tools provide detailed analytics on customer interactions and campaign performance. This data enables agencies to make informed decisions and continuously optimize their digital marketing efforts.

Evaluating CRM Options

When selecting a CRM for a digital marketing agency, it is important to consider various factors that will impact its effectiveness and compatibility with the agency's operations.

Key Features to Look For

A comprehensive CRM should offer robust contact management capabilities, enabling agencies to keep track of all client interactions and history. Features such as lead and deal tracking help in monitoring the sales pipeline efficiently.

You should also look for campaign management tools that assist in running marketing initiatives directly from the CRM. Agencies aiming to enhance their sales and customer service might find the best CRM solutions for small businesses informative, as these platforms are designed to streamline such activities.

Customization Capabilities

The ability to customize the CRM to fit the specific needs of the agency cannot be overstated. Custom fields, tailored workflows, and the potential to modify dashboards ensure that a CRM can adapt as the business grows. Being able to personalize the system allows for a better alignment with an agency's unique processes and reporting requirements.

Integration with Existing Software

For a CRM to function seamlessly within a digital marketing agency, it must integrate effortlessly with current tools and software. This might include email platforms, social media tools, or accounting software.

A seamless integration facilitates efficient data transfer and streamlines processes across different business areas. The best CRM software solutions often highlight their integration capabilities, which can be a deciding factor for agencies relying on various technologies.

Maximizing CRM Usage

A digital marketing agency's success depends on effectively leveraging CRM systems for client management and campaign analysis. The following outlines practical steps to enhance CRM utility within an agency.

Training and Onboarding Best Practices

Investing in training programs ensures staff can fully utilize CRM features. It is important to incorporate real-world scenarios into these sessions to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

A mix of hands-on workshops, instructional documentation, and video tutorials can cater to diverse learning preferences and elevate the team's overall proficiency.

Optimizing CRM Workflows

Refining CRM workflows can streamline operations and save time. Agencies should identify common tasks and set up automated triggers to perform these functions. Regular audits of digital marketing strategies can guide the customization of workflows to align with changing objectives and efficiency metrics. By doing this, teams can focus more on strategy and less on administrative tasks.

CRM Data Management

Managing client relationships effectively requires digital marketing agencies to maintain an organized and accessible database. CRM data management encompasses strategies and tools used for managing customer information and interactions.

Ensuring Data Quality

To ensure high data quality, agencies should implement rigorous data entry standards. This includes clear guidelines for data collection and entry, regular data cleaning procedures to remove duplicates and correct errors, and validation rules to prevent inaccuracies. A structured approach to data quality sustains the integrity of the CRM system and supports reliable decision-making.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Data analysis transforms raw data into valuable insights. When using advanced CRM analytics, agencies can uncover trends, forecast demands, and tailor their services to meet client expectations. Reporting tools within a CRM system can provide real-time updates, KPI tracking, and custom report generation, enabling agencies to measure performance and optimize strategies effectively.

Automating Marketing Processes

Automation in digital marketing clears the path for agencies to focus on strategy and client relationships while technology handles repetitive tasks. When automating mundane activities, agencies can ensure consistency, efficiency, and personalized communication at scale.

Email Campaign Automation

Seamless email campaign automation allows agencies to curate targeted messages that reach clients at the optimal time. For instance, a drip campaign can nurture leads by sending a series of informative emails based on user engagement or behaviors. Tools that facilitate this kind of automation also typically offer analytics, enabling agencies to improve future campaigns based on tangible data.

Social Media Integration

The integration of social media management into a Customer Relationship Management system streamlines content scheduling and audience engagement. It's a strategic way to ensure that all platforms are updated regularly and can leverage analytics for enhancing SEO strategies and outreach. Moreover, by tracking mentions and interactions, agencies can spark conversations and build relationships more effectively.

Client Relationship Building

Building strong client relationships is important for digital marketing agencies. They rely on sophisticated CRM tools to create personalized interactions and implement effective client retention strategies.

Personalized Client Interactions

CRM software allows agencies to tailor their communication with clients. They can track individual preferences and history, ensuring that every touchpoint is relevant and personal. For example, with HubSpot CRM, digital interactions are managed to bolster sales leads through targeted marketing that resonates with each client.

Client Retention Strategies

Retaining clients requires more than just one-time engagement; it involves continuous relationship nurturing. CRM systems are instrumental in recognizing and rewarding client loyalty. They provide insights into client behaviors, enabling agencies to deploy retention programs, such as loyalty discounts or personalized content, thereby enhancing the overall client experience.

CRM and Mobile Marketing

Digital marketing agencies have to leverage CRM solutions that cater to mobile marketing efforts.

Mobile CRM Benefits

Mobile CRMs provide several advantages, notably in enhancing customer engagement and streamlining processes. They offer real-time data and insights, allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly. Personalization and targeting improve as mobile CRMs process customer data to tailor the marketing efforts more accurately.

On-the-Go Access and Updates

The ability to access and update client information while away from the office boosts productivity among marketing professionals. They can immediately log interactions, ensure follow-ups, and schedule communications directly from their mobile devices. Quick updates lead to accurate forecasting and better client servicing, keeping marketing campaigns agile and responsive.

CRM Security and Compliance

It's important to consider how the system will protect sensitive data and adhere to industry regulations.

Protecting Sensitive Data

Agencies must ensure that the CRM software they choose has robust security features to safeguard client information. This includes encryption for data both in transit and at rest, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the system should provide detailed access control options to limit who can view or modify certain data.

Adhering to Regulations

Compliance with legal standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and various national privacy laws is non-negotiable for CRMs. Agencies must verify that their CRM adheres to the necessary compliance certifications. Regular audits and compliance reports are tools that a reliable CRM should offer to adhere to these regulations.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

It’s important to consider how well the system can grow with the company. Scalability refers to the CRM's ability to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to accommodate expansion. Agencies should look for CRMs that offer flexible features, such as the ability to add more users, increase data capacity, and integrate with additional services as needed.

Future-proofing is another significant factor. A CRM should not only meet current needs but also adapt to future technological advancements and market trends. Agencies are encouraged to choose CRMs with a track record of regular updates, new feature releases, and robust third-party integrations. HubSpot CRM is praised for its generous free plan, and its scalability makes it a solid choice for agencies planning for long-term growth.

Agencies must examine the CRM's support infrastructure. A CRM with an active community, responsive support, and extensive training resources ensures that the agency can overcome technical challenges and adapt to new features effectively. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right CRM can significantly help with operations for a digital marketing agency. It integrates various aspects of business such as sales, client relations, and marketing into a unified system. The best CRM tools offer a balance between features and usability; they should improve sales opportunities and enhance customer satisfaction without overcomplicating processes.

Agencies should consider the scalability, cost, and support availability. EngageBay and Keap are noteworthy for their comprehensive services combining marketing, CRM, sales, and customer service capabilities. On the other hand, platforms like Freshworks CRM tout feature depth as their main offering.

Digital agencies must assess their immediate and long-term needs. They should prioritize a CRM that aligns with their workflow, has a user-friendly interface, and promotes efficient client management. The value of streamlined communication and automated tasks cannot be overstated - it lead to a more organized, productive, and ultimately more profitable agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting the right CRM platform is a significant decision for digital marketing agencies, impacting client interaction, data analysis, and campaign optimization.

What are the top-rated CRM solutions for digital marketing agencies?

The market offers a variety of well-regarded CRM systems tailored for digital marketing agencies. These include options like Keap, known for its all-around capabilities, and industry giant Adobe Marketing Cloud, which shines in data analysis and campaign optimization.

How does Zoho CRM compare with HubSpot for marketing agency use?

HubSpot CRM is recognized for its robust free plan and scalability, making it a favorite as agencies grow. Zoho CRM, while also offering a wide range of functionalities, could be more budget-friendly for smaller firms but may require add-ons as needs expand.

Can you identify some CRM platforms particularly suited for creative agencies?

Creative agencies often seek CRM platforms like Bonsai, which combine project, client, and financial management in one place, allowing for streamlined workflows and better integration of creative processes.

What features should a CRM have to be most effective for digital marketing purposes?

A CRM designed for digital marketing should facilitate seamless client interactions, robust data analysis, and efficient campaign management. Features to enhance lead tracking, email marketing, and reporting are also highly advantageous.

Which CRM providers are considered industry leaders for marketing agency management?

Some of the prominent CRM providers catering to the needs of marketing agencies include Freshworks CRM, for its depth in features, and Adobe Marketing Cloud, for data-driven digital advertising strategies.

What factors should a digital marketing agency consider when selecting a CRM system?

Agencies should assess the CRM's ability to scale, its integration capabilities with existing tools, the availability of marketing automation features, and the level of support provided. A balance of functionality and cost-efficiency is also important to ensure the tool aligns with the agency's strategic goals.