Agency work moves fast. You’re managing client outreach, tracking proposals, and coordinating feedback, often all at once. Without a clear system, things get messy. Emails go unanswered. Deadlines slip. Teams lose context.

A good CRM helps you keep everything in one place. It gives your team a clear view of client activity, next steps, and open conversations.

In this post, we’ll share six CRMs that work well for advertising agencies—and what makes each one worth considering.

What is a CRM for advertising agencies?

A CRM (customer relationship management) tool helps agencies keep track of client information, communication history, and project details in one place. It’s how teams stay organized, follow up on leads, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Some CRMs are straightforward—just contacts and deal tracking. Others offer more advanced features like automation, reporting, or built-in project tools.

Most advertising agencies use CRMs that fall into one (or more) of these types:

• Operational CRMs: Help streamline client onboarding, track deals, and automate follow-ups
• Collaborative CRMs: Make it easier for sales, accounts, and creative teams to work from the same client data
• Project-enabled or hybrid CRMs: Combine client tracking with task or campaign management, often using built-in templates or integrations
• Analytical CRMs: Offer deeper reporting and forecasting to help agencies track performance and plan resourcing

Some tools focus just on sales pipelines. Others go further and support content planning, creative delivery, or client reporting.

What to look for in CRM software for advertising agencies

A decent CRM stores client details—but a good one helps your team stay coordinated, spot what’s next, and keep work moving without constant check-ins. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Fast setup and ease of use: Your team shouldn’t need training just to log a deal. Look for a tool with intuitive navigation, pre-built templates, and quick onboarding so everyone can start using it from day one.

2. Custom pipelines and data fields: No two agencies manage client work the same way. Whether you organize by campaign, project type, or retainer stage, your CRM should let you tailor fields, stages, and views to match.

3. Built-in task and project tracking: Once a client signs, the real work begins. CRMs that include or integrate with task tracking help teams manage deliverables, assign responsibilities, and avoid post-sale confusion.

4. Smart automation: From setting follow-up reminders to moving deals across stages, automation reduces manual work and keeps things from slipping through the cracks—especially in fast-moving teams.

5. Shared visibility and team collaboration: Your sales, account, and creative teams need access to the same information. CRMs with team mentions, shared timelines, and activity tracking keep everyone aligned without switching tools.

Best CRMs for advertising agencies in 2025

Whether you're tracking leads, managing client deliverables, or keeping teams aligned, the right CRM can make all the difference. Below, we’ve rounded up top CRM options tailored to how agencies actually work.

1. Softr

Best for: a fast and customizable setup that integrates with existing tools and data

Softr isn’t a strictly CRM tool — it’s an easy yet powerful no-code platform that lets you build a custom CRM on top of your existing data and tools, including Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, ClickUp, and more.

Use drag-and-drop blocks like Lists, Grids, Kanbans, Forms, and more to create a modern interface for your customer data, then customize logic and layout so it fits your workflows. If you need to expand your CRM to include a client portal, quote generator, or inventory management system, Softr makes this possible without having to pay for extra tools. You can even use a CRM template to get started quickly.

Who it’s for: Small to mid-sized agencies that don't want to invest in expensive out-of-the-box software or custom development to get a CRM tailored to their business operations and industry.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop builder: Modern building blocks make it easy to create a user-friendly CRM tailored to your agency (or start with a free CRM template).
• 14+ native data source integrations: Softr connects to Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Notion, monday.com, BigQuery, SQL databases, and more. You can also connect to almost any external data source via REST API—or use Softr’s own native database (currently in beta).
• Forms: Create advanced lead capture forms with conditional logic and embed them in your website. Or use forms to create a ticketing system for your CRM to ensure customer issues are logged, tracked, and managed quickly.
• Lead tracking: Integrate with your existing data sources and marketing tools to bring in captured lead data.
• Account & contact management: Maintain records of customer contact details, interaction details, transaction records, and deal status, and add comments to records to keep your team informed.
• Task and project tracking: Add and view project tasks on a Kanban board, and move them over as projects progress.
• Contract and invoice management: Securely store important documents, with the ability to enable e-signatures and payments.
• Reporting & dashboards: Create dashboards based on real-time data to monitor sales performance and customer engagement.

Softr pros:

• Fast to set up: Launch your CRM in minutes using a pre-built template and a drag-and-drop builder, no dev work or complicated setup needed.
• Works with your existing data and tools: Connect Softr to Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, and 14+ other native data sources, no need to migrate anything. You can also automate key workflows with Zapier and Make integrations.
• Control who sees and edits what: Set granular, role-based permissions so sales or account managers can only see or update their own deals.
• All-in-one platform: Build CRMs, client portals, inventory trackers, and more in one place—so you can cut down on tool sprawl and costs.

Softr cons:

• No out-of-the-box marketing automation: Softr doesn’t come with email marketing or campaign management, though it can integrate with marketing tools that have these features.
• Requires structured data: To get value from Softr, you need to organize your customer data in a database like Airtable, Notion, Google Sheets, or Softr Databases (beta).

Pricing:

Softr offers flexible pricing plans, so you can build a knowledge base at any tier:

• Free for up to 10 users per month
• Paid plans start at $49/month for 20 users (when billed annually)
• Professional: Starts at $139/month for 100 users (when billed annually)
• Business: Starting at $269/month for 2500 users (when billed annually)
• Custom plans for enterprise customers

2. HubSpot CRM

Best for full-funnel visibility and automation

HubSpot CRM is a cloud-based platform designed to manage customer relationships, marketing campaigns, and sales pipelines. It offers a suite of tools that integrate seamlessly to provide a comprehensive view of customer interactions.

Who it's best for: Mid-sized to large agencies seeking an all-in-one solution for managing client relationships, marketing efforts, and sales processes.

Key features:

• Contact Management: Centralized database to store and manage customer information.
• Email Marketing: Tools to create, send, and analyze email campaigns.
• Sales Pipeline Management: Visual dashboards to track deals and sales progress.
• Marketing Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and workflows.
• Reporting & Analytics: Generate reports to gain insights into performance metrics.

HubSpot CRM pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Comprehensive feature set.
• Strong integration capabilities.

HubSpot CRM cons:

• Advanced features can be costly.
• May have a learning curve for new users.

Pricing: Free plan available with basic features. Paid plans start at $20/month, with additional features unlocked in higher tiers.

💡Storing your customer data in HubSpot? Softr lets you build client and customer portals, ticketing systems, internal tools, and more on top of your HubSpot data — no code required.
‍See an example →

3. Copper CRM

Best for Gmail-native client management

Copper CRM is a customer relationship management tool designed to integrate seamlessly with Google Workspace. It automates data entry and provides a streamlined experience within Gmail.

Who it's best for: Small to medium-sized agencies that primarily use Google Workspace and seek a CRM that integrates directly with their existing tools.

Key features:

• Google Workspace Integration: Native integration with Gmail and Google Calendar.
• Contact Management: Automatically captures and organizes contact information.
• Pipeline Management: Visual pipelines to track sales opportunities.
• Task Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and reminders.
• Reporting: Generate reports to analyze sales performance.

Copper CRM pros:

• Seamless integration with Google tools.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Reduces manual data entry.

Copper CRM cons:

• Limited customization options.
• Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.

Pricing: Plans start at $25/user/month when billed annually. A 14-day free trial is available.

4. ClickUp (CRM templates)

Best for customizable, project-driven workflows

ClickUp is a versatile project management tool that can be customized to function as a CRM using templates. It allows for tracking leads, managing customer interactions, and overseeing projects in one platform.

Who it's best for: Agencies that require a flexible system to manage both client relationships and project workflows.

Key features:

• Customizable Templates: Pre-built CRM templates that can be tailored to specific needs.
• Task Management: Assign and track tasks related to clients and projects.
• Automation: Automate routine processes and notifications.
• Integrations: Connect with various third-party tools.
• Reporting: Generate insights into project and client performance.

ClickUp pros:

• Highly customizable to fit various workflows.
• Combines CRM and project management in one platform.
• Affordable pricing tiers.

ClickUp cons:

• Not a traditional CRM; may require setup time.
• Some features may be overwhelming for new users.

Pricing: Free plan available with limited features. Paid plans start at $10/user/month.

💡Using ClickUp to store client projects and tasks for your agency? Softr lets you build client and customer portals, client intake forms, and more on top of your ClickUp data.
‍Learn more →

5. Insightly

Best for combining CRM and post-sale delivery

Insightly is a CRM platform that integrates project management features, allowing agencies to manage customer relationships and project delivery within the same system.

Who it's best for: Agencies that need to track client interactions from initial contact through project completion.

Key features:

• Contact & Lead Management: Store and manage customer information and sales leads.
• Project Management: Track project milestones, tasks, and deadlines.
• Workflow Automation: Automate business processes and task assignments.
• Email Integration: Sync emails with CRM records.
• Reporting & Dashboards: Visualize data and performance metrics.

Insightly pros:

• Combines CRM and project management.
• User-friendly interface.
• Scalable for growing businesses.

Insightly cons:

• Limited customization in lower-tier plans.
• Some advanced features may require additional training.

Pricing: Plans start at $29/user/month. Higher-tier plans offer additional features and customization options.

6. Zoho CRM

Best for feature-rich CRM at a budget-friendly price

Zoho CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management platform that offers a wide range of features, including sales automation, marketing tools, and analytics.

Who it's best for: Agencies seeking a cost-effective CRM solution with robust features and customization options.

Key features:

• Sales Automation: Automate sales processes and workflows.
• Multichannel Communication: Engage with customers via email, phone, social media, and live chat.
• Analytics & Reporting: Gain insights into sales performance and customer behavior.
• Customization: Tailor modules, fields, and layouts to fit business needs.
• Integration: Connect with various third-party applications and Zoho's suite of products.

Zoho CRM  pros:

• Affordable pricing with a rich feature set.
• Highly customizable to suit different business models.
• Strong integration capabilities.

Zoho CRM  cons:

• May have a steep learning curve for new users.
• Some advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans.

Pricing: Free plan available for up to 3 users. Paid plans start at $14/user/month, with additional features in higher tiers.

The right CRM keeps work visible and moving

There’s no perfect CRM for every agency. Some teams need automation and detailed pipelines. Others just want a clearer way to track client conversations and next steps. A good CRM gives your team a shared view of what’s happening with each client, what’s coming next, and who’s responsible for what.

If you’re looking for something flexible—especially if your data already lives in tools like Airtable, Notion, SmartSuite, monday.com, or Google Sheets—Softr is a strong fit. You can build a CRM that looks and works exactly how your team needs, with real-time updates, granular permissions, and no-code setup.

Start with a free template and customize it in the way it fits your processes.