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Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies
Albert Richer

Finding the Right Fit: Navigating the Best Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies When it comes to contact management platforms, not all are created equal, especially for digital marketing agencies. Research shows that agencies tend to prioritize features like automation capabilities and integration options with tools like HubSpot and Salesforce. In fact, many users report that platforms like ActiveCampaign consistently receive high praise for their intuitive interfaces and robust analytics. Studies indicate that 75% of agencies favor tools that offer real-time data tracking, helping them make informed decisions quickly—because who has time to wait? Interestingly, expert analysis suggests that while user-friendliness is crucial, some platforms overemphasize flashy design at the expense of functionality. For example, while some reviewers find Zoho appealing, many consumers have noted that its steep learning curve can be a hurdle, especially for smaller teams. Finding the Right Fit: Navigating the Best Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies When it comes to contact management platforms, not all are created equal, especially for digital marketing agencies. Research shows that agencies tend to prioritize features like automation capabilities and integration options with tools like HubSpot and Salesforce.

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1
Expert Score
9.9 / 10
649
69
AGENCY POWERHOUSE
SCALABILITY STAR

ClickUp CRM for Digital Marketing

ClickUp CRM for Digital Marketing
View Website
ClickUp CRM is a tailored solution specifically designed for digital marketing agencies. It streamlines processes, tracks leads, and closes deals, enabling users to supercharge their operations. Its custom CRM system is built with unique features that cater to the specific needs of the industry, such as task tracking, project management, and team collaboration.
ClickUp CRM is a tailored solution specifically designed for digital marketing agencies. It streamlines processes, tracks leads, and closes deals, enabling users to supercharge their operations. Its custom CRM system is built with unique features that cater to the specific needs of the industry, such as task tracking, project management, and team collaboration.
AGENCY POWERHOUSE
SCALABILITY STAR

Best for teams that are

  • Agencies wanting to unify client data and project tasks in one platform
  • Delivery teams needing highly customizable workflows without switching apps
  • Small teams prioritizing collaboration over traditional sales pipeline features

Skip if

  • Sales-heavy teams requiring dedicated pipeline tools like dialers or sequencing
  • Agencies needing strict CRM data isolation or advanced sales analytics
  • Users who find manual configuration of CRM views tedious or complex

Expert Take

Our analysis shows ClickUp eliminates the silo between sales and fulfillment by allowing agencies to manage client pipelines and active project deliverables in a single platform. Research indicates that while it lacks the niche sales features of dedicated CRMs, its ability to customize workflows, automate client handoffs, and integrate deeply with marketing tools offers superior value for full-service digital agencies.

Pros

  • Highly customizable visual pipelines
  • Unbeatable value with generous free tier
  • Unifies project management and CRM
  • Native integrations with HubSpot and Slack
  • Enterprise-grade security (SOC 2, HIPAA)

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Interface can feel overwhelming
  • Occasional lag in large workspaces
  • Lacks built-in sales dialer
  • Mobile app has limited functionality
2
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
516
164
VALUE FOR MONEY
COLLABORATION KING

Insightly CRM

Insightly CRM
View Website
Insightly CRM is a comprehensive contact management platform designed specifically to meet the needs of digital marketing agencies. It streamlines customer relationship management, enabling agencies to sell smarter, grow faster, and build lasting relationships with their clients.
Insightly CRM is a comprehensive contact management platform designed specifically to meet the needs of digital marketing agencies. It streamlines customer relationship management, enabling agencies to sell smarter, grow faster, and build lasting relationships with their clients.
VALUE FOR MONEY
COLLABORATION KING

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-sized agencies needing integrated project management and sales tracking
  • Teams wanting to bridge the gap between closing deals and delivering services
  • Users requiring relationship linking to map complex client networks

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring massive data handling or unlimited API calls
  • Agencies needing advanced workflow automation on entry-level plans
  • Sales teams needing a standalone tool without project management clutter

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Insightly uniquely bridges the gap between sales and delivery by embedding full project management within the CRM. Research indicates it stands out for regulated industries due to SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliance, features often absent in similar-tier competitors. Based on documented features, it allows teams to convert closed deals directly into projects, preserving data continuity without switching tools.

Pros

  • Native project management with milestones
  • SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliant
  • Seamless Gmail and Outlook integration
  • Automatic opportunity-to-project conversion
  • Customizable dashboards and reporting

Cons

  • No free plan (discontinued Oct 2024)
  • Workflow automation requires Professional plan
  • AppConnect integrations are expensive add-ons
  • Mobile app dashboards are read-only
  • Steep learning curve for new users
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
561
161
MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERY
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Act! CRM for SMBs

Act! CRM for SMBs
View Website
Act! is a distinct CRM solution designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) within the digital marketing industry. It offers an affordable platform integrating sales, marketing, and customer management, addressing the industry's needs for streamlined contact management and relationship growth.
Act! is a distinct CRM solution designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) within the digital marketing industry. It offers an affordable platform integrating sales, marketing, and customer management, addressing the industry's needs for streamlined contact management and relationship growth.
MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERY
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Best for teams that are

  • Small agencies valuing integrated marketing automation and contact management
  • Teams preferring on-premise data control or familiar traditional interfaces
  • Businesses needing a stable, long-standing platform for contact tracking

Skip if

  • Modern teams expecting a sleek, intuitive cloud-native user interface
  • Large enterprises requiring complex scalability or advanced cloud integrations
  • Mac users needing a dedicated desktop application (browser-only support)

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Act! CRM occupies a unique position for SMBs by bridging the gap between traditional desktop software and modern cloud SaaS. Research indicates its standout feature is the 'hybrid' deployment model, allowing businesses to maintain local data control while accessing cloud benefits—a rarity in today's market. Based on documented features, the inclusion of native marketing automation (2,500+ emails/month) in the base price offers exceptional value compared to competitors that charge separately for these tools.

Pros

  • Hybrid deployment with offline desktop sync
  • Integrated marketing automation included in base price
  • Highly customizable data fields and tables
  • Significantly lower cost than Salesforce or HubSpot
  • SOC 2 certified cloud platform

Cons

  • Outdated user interface feels like legacy software
  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Phone support costs extra on lower tiers
  • Fewer native integrations than modern SaaS rivals
  • Complex initial setup and configuration
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
637
146
ANALYTICAL ADVANTAGE
CUSTOMER JOURNEY GURU

HubSpot Free CRM

HubSpot Free CRM
View Website
HubSpot Free CRM is a powerful tool specifically designed to meet the needs of digital marketing agencies. It offers features like live chat, meeting scheduling, and email tracking, which enable businesses to manage customer interactions efficiently, streamline sales processes, and monitor marketing strategies effectively.
HubSpot Free CRM is a powerful tool specifically designed to meet the needs of digital marketing agencies. It offers features like live chat, meeting scheduling, and email tracking, which enable businesses to manage customer interactions efficiently, streamline sales processes, and monitor marketing strategies effectively.
ANALYTICAL ADVANTAGE
CUSTOMER JOURNEY GURU

Best for teams that are

  • Small agencies or freelancers needing free, unlimited contact storage
  • Inbound marketing teams requiring basic lead capture and tracking
  • Startups wanting a user-friendly entry into CRM without upfront costs

Skip if

  • Sales teams relying on high-volume cold calling or email outreach
  • Agencies needing advanced automation or custom reporting (locked behind paywall)
  • Teams requiring immediate phone support or complex role-based permissions

Expert Take

Our analysis shows HubSpot Free CRM remains a top-tier entry point for small businesses due to its exceptional usability and robust ecosystem. Research indicates that while the 'free forever' promise is genuine, the recent reduction of contact storage to 1,000 records for new accounts significantly alters its long-term value proposition. Despite this, the inclusion of 5 Core Seats and world-class training resources makes it an unbeatable starting platform for teams that can operate within its strict automation and reporting boundaries.

Pros

  • Includes 5 Core Seats with edit access
  • Industry-leading HubSpot Academy training resources
  • Seamless native Gmail and Outlook integration
  • Intuitive, user-friendly interface for beginners
  • Massive app ecosystem with 1,500+ integrations

Cons

  • Strict 1,000 contact limit for new accounts
  • No custom reporting or dashboards available
  • Zero automation or workflow capabilities included
  • Limited to only one sales pipeline
  • HubSpot branding on emails and forms
5
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
683
91
CUSTOMIZABLE CHAMPION
EMAIL MARKETING EXPERT

Salesforce CRM

Salesforce CRM
View Website
Salesforce CRM is an ideal contact management platform for Digital Marketing Agencies, as it provides efficient tools to manage, track and analyze customer interactions. Its capabilities in streamlining the customer journey, coupled with its robust reporting and analytics, make it a valuable asset in the digital marketing landscape.
Salesforce CRM is an ideal contact management platform for Digital Marketing Agencies, as it provides efficient tools to manage, track and analyze customer interactions. Its capabilities in streamlining the customer journey, coupled with its robust reporting and analytics, make it a valuable asset in the digital marketing landscape.
CUSTOMIZABLE CHAMPION
EMAIL MARKETING EXPERT

Best for teams that are

  • Large agencies requiring enterprise-grade customization and complex workflows
  • Teams needing deep analytics and extensive third-party integrations
  • Organizations with dedicated resources for implementation and maintenance

Skip if

  • Small agencies with limited budgets or simple contact management needs
  • Teams without technical staff to manage complex setup and updates
  • Users wanting a plug-and-play solution without a steep learning curve

Expert Take

Salesforce CRM is highly appreciated by digital marketing professionals due to its ability to streamline customer interactions, providing a unified view of each customer's journey. The software's robust analytics tools enable agencies to make data-driven decisions, improving marketing campaigns and enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, its extensive customization options and integrations with other tools make it a versatile solution for managing and improving customer relationships.

Pros

  • Extensive customization options
  • Robust contact management
  • Powerful analytics
  • Comprehensive customer journey mapping
  • Seamless integration with other tools

Cons

  • Might be overwhelming for beginners
  • Advanced features require higher-tier plans
  • Additional costs for premium support

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 ClickUp CRM for Digital Marketing
Yes Yes N/A Yes Yes Yes Not specified Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, GitHub Yes $5/month per member
2 Insightly CRM
Yes No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Email/Ticket only Not specified Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Slack Enterprise plans only $29/month
3 Act! CRM for SMBs
Yes No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Email/Ticket only Not specified Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, Shopify, Zapier No $25/user/month
4 HubSpot Free CRM
Yes Yes N/A Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Slack, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, HubSpot Yes Free
5 Salesforce CRM
Yes No Yes - 30 days Yes Yes Email/Ticket only Both Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Mailchimp Yes $25/user/month
1

ClickUp CRM for Digital Marketing

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
N/A
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, GitHub
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$5/month per member
2

Insightly CRM

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Slack
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
$29/month
3

Act! CRM for SMBs

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, Shopify, Zapier
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$25/user/month
4

HubSpot Free CRM

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
N/A
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, HubSpot
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Free
5

Salesforce CRM

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Both
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Mailchimp
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$25/user/month

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How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The "How We Choose" section for contact management platforms tailored for digital marketing agencies focuses on several key evaluation criteria. Factors such as robust features, integration capabilities, user interface, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value were thoroughly analyzed to ensure a well-rounded comparison. Specific considerations included the ability to manage customer relationships effectively, facilitate email marketing, and provide analytical insights, which are crucial for digital marketing agencies. The rankings were determined by a comprehensive analysis of specifications, customer feedback, and price-to-value ratios, ensuring that each product’s performance and suitability for the target audience were objectively assessed.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of industry standards and user feedback.
  • Rankings based on an objective evaluation of features, user ratings, and expert insights specific to contact management platforms.
  • Selection criteria focus on integration capabilities, user experience, and scalability for digital marketing agencies.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means