Clients are mysterious creatures—kind of like cats. ?⬛
They have a lot of opinions, and sometimes you think you know what they want, but it turns out you absolutely do not.
If you can improve your client collaboration and get their input earlier and more often, you can avoid wasting time on assets that might not get approved. With better client collaboration software, you can improve your process, increase your profitability, and make every project purr.
Learn what to look for in client collaboration software and get ready to adopt one of the 10 best collaboration tools available right now. These 10 options will make all your client projects seem a little warmer and fuzzier.
10 Best Client Collaboration Software Choices for 2024
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Client Collaboration Software?
Client collaboration software is a cloud-based program that allows you to send your client onboarding paperwork, project plans, questions, proofs, deliverables, and reports. Most collaboration software is web-based, but some also offer mobile apps.
The idea behind client collaboration software is that you and your client can communicate within the software’s interface, which allows you to keep track of your client’s requests, feedback, and project deliverables in one place. So everything is neat and tidy. ?
But we’ve all had clients who did not want to learn new software. So, some client collaboration software integrates with the tools you and your client use already, making it easy to import emails, Slack messages, file sharing, and more.
Everything is still neat and tidy—even if your client is a little chaotic.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Client Collaboration Tools?
These are our must-have features for client collaboration software. While many of the tools we highlight below do much more, these four basic features will make your collabs run more smoothly:
- Simple file sharing: You’ll need to send your clients contracts, proofs, and other files for approval, so your software should make file sharing easy to upload and access your most common file types
- Intuitive communication tools: Features like instant messaging, mentions, and shared documents provide real-time help with your client collaboration efforts in a task management platform
- Role-based permissions: Being able to set boundaries on what your client has access to will ensure they don’t see how the sausage gets made or have the ability to manage projects outside of their specific work ?
- Integrations: If you already use other communication tools, like Slack for messaging or Zoom for video calls, make sure your client collaboration software integrates with these programs so you can easily import your client communication
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Client Collaboration Software Tools to Use
Now that you know the minimum requirements for client collaboration software, meet 10 tools that do the maximum. These 10 project and task management tools have the features agencies and professional service businesses need to communicate with their clients.
Pick a collaboration tool your entire team will love so they get work done, track project success, and improve customer retention.
1. ClickUp
If you want to manage your entire client and project lifecycle in one place, then you need a ClickUp workspace.
ClickUp is one-part project management tool, one-part online collaboration tool, one-part CRM tool, and one-part reporting tool—basically, it’s an entire toolbox for your team. ?️ ?
This is some of the best team and client collaboration software out there with features like shared Docs, Whiteboards, instant messaging, real-time commenting, file sharing, and mentions. You can also share assets like videos, spreadsheets, wireframes, and webpages, so your client and team always have the context they need.
And with ClickApps for work management, time tracking, and reporting, you can keep track of your team’s workload. For project managers, ClickUp makes it easy to prevent employee burnout and monitor project status to keep budgets from bottoming out on client projects.
In addition to a web-based app, ClickUp is also available as a mobile app for iOS or Android. It also integrates with your favorite tools, and allows you to import data from other project and task management programs—including Asana, Trello, Jira, Todoist, monday.com, Wrike, and Basecamp—in a single click.
Best features
- The ClickUp CRM allows you to see your sales pipeline and monitor your client engagement. You can also integrate it with your emails to perform client outreach, start the client onboarding process, and send project updates from one place. And with a CRM template, you can start using this feature quickly and easily
- ClickUp Docs and the ClickUp Whiteboard are ideal for creative teams. They make project collaboration easy, even for remote teams. You can brainstorm, co-edit, comment, and use task management features to assign work in real-time, so your team and your client end up on the same page at the beginning of the process. There’s no need for screen sharing because everyone’s Doc or Whiteboard view will update in real-time
- ClickUp AI allows you to automate your work, including sending automatic updates to clients when a project asset is ready for their review. It’s the first ever AI tool that’s purpose-built for every role in your organization so your whole team can work faster and more efficiently
Limitations
- There can be a learning curve as new users get to know ClickUp’s long list of features
- Not all of the features on the web app are currently available on the mobile app
Pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7 per member per month
- Business: $12 per member per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Clickup AI: Available on all paid plans for $5 per Workspace member per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,700+ reviews)
2. Teamwork
Teamwork makes the dream work! And Teamwork—the client collaboration tool—makes client work a dream. ?
This agency-focused software program has tools for creating project boards, scheduling tasks, monitoring your team’s workload, scoping a project, setting milestones, onboarding clients, tracking hours, generating invoices, and getting client approval.
From the start of your customer’s journey until they sign off on the very last deliverable, this app will help you manage projects across various clients and ensure it stays on time and under budget.
Best features
- Uploading proofs allows you to monitor your client’s feedback in context and see how project assets evolve
- Adding client users lets you control their access to the project, so they can see the project’s progress and add comments to tasks you’ve given them access to
- Time tracking features record all of your billable minutes and make it easy to generate invoices
Limitations
- There’s no iOS app, which may be frustrating for Mac users who prefer to work on their phone or tablet
- Some users report that onboarding their team was time-consuming, and it may be harder to teach clients to use the software compared to internal team members
Pricing
- Free Forever
- Starter: $5.99 per member per month
- Deliver: $9.99 per member per month
- Grow: $19.99 per member per month
- Scale: Custom pricing
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (800+ reviews)
Check out these Teamwork alternatives!
3. Runrun.it
Who runs the world? Project managers. ?
And Runrun.it is a collaboration tool that’s here to help with simple project boards, automations, and AI that alerts you if your project is getting off track. You can choose between Kanban, Gantt chart, and to-do list views to see your projects your way.
It also offers clear visuals to help you understand your project data and monitor your progress and success rates. You can use those visuals to communicate your success to your clients, and you can invite clients to view boards and tasks.
Above all, Runrun.it is easy to use, so even the most technophobic clients won’t be scared to use your client collaboration tools. It’s available as a web-based app, an iOS app, and an Android app, so you can use it from any device.
Best features
- User-friendly project boards allow your team members and clients to track project progress and see tasks that need their attention
- Reports on cost, hours per project, and effort per task help you make more strategic decisions about future projects
- Automations make it easier to schedule projects and track progress
Limitations
- Some users report that the commenting interface doesn’t display clearly, which can cause team members and clients to miss messages
- The reporting and analytics functions are limited compared to some of the other tools on this list
Pricing
- Free
- Business: $8 per member per month
- Enterprise: $25 per member per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (135+ reviews)
4. ProofHub
Pretty much all cloud-based project management software helps streamline remote work. But ProofHub put extra attention into tools for distributed teams with robust communication features and deadlines that automatically adjust to fit your client and team members’ time zones.
So no matter where you work, you can work together. ?
As one of the best client collaboration tools, ProofHub includes a full suite of project management, reporting, and admin tools to help you manage your projects from start to finish. And the large library of integrations—including Slack, Dropbox, Google Drive, and One Drive, among others—means you can share resources with your clients on whichever platform they prefer.
Also, it will update as you go in your team’s ProofHub workspace.
Best features
- External requests allow clients to submit forms and ask for bug fixes, changes to deliverables, or completely new deliverables
- Custom roles allow you to set different permissions for clients and team members so each person only has access to what they need
- Robust client and team collaboration tools include commenting with mentions, email integrations, and individual and group chat options where you can communicate quickly through instant messaging and maintain project timelines
Limitations
- Many users report that the options for setting your notification preferences are limited, which can make it difficult to organize and prioritize your alerts
- This software doesn’t include budgeting tools, and if you want to turn a time-tracking report into an invoice, you’ll need to add an integration with Freshbooks or QuickBooks
Pricing
- Essential: $45 per month
- Ultimate control: $89 per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (80+ reviews)
5. Kantata
Kantata is custom-built for agencies. It understands the entire lifecycle of an agency project from pitching to contracting to fighting off the dreaded scope creep. ?♂️
This project management platform not only facilitates better communication between your client and your team, it also features advanced analytics tools that keep track of risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies, as well as your revenue and cost milestones.
So if you need to adjust your strategy, address a problem, or issue a change order, you can see it at a glance—no more combing through stuffy spreadsheets with a magnifying glass. ?️♀️
Kantata is available with an API built for Salesforce or with an open API so you can run this program with the tools you already use.
Best features
- Invite clients to see project milestones and give approvals as you work instead of at the end of the project
- Automate your workflows and create reusable templates that allow you to schedule projects quickly
- View your project schedule, scope, and budget side-by-side to keep everything on track
Limitations
- Some users state that this program can be difficult to navigate, and they wish it offered more intuitive functions like drag-and-drop and an undo option
- Other users report slow load times and limited integration options
Pricing
- Custom pricing
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (1,325+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (595+ reviews)
Check out these client gift ideas!
6. Workzone
Workzone is a project management program with advanced tracking and reporting features, as well as secure client portals. Like all project management software, you can set up project boards and assign tasks, but it’s features like workload and expense tracking that make this program especially good for agencies.
You can see your client projects in their own workspaces (or zones), or you can see an overview of all your client projects and their statuses, which will make it easy to decide which project needs your attention first.
So when it feels like all your clients want your attention at once, you’ll be able to tell who needs you the most.
Best features
- Secure client portals allow you to create a branded experience for your client and set different permissions for different users
- Project dashboards show you all of your client projects at once so you know which ones are on track and which need extra attention
- A hands-on onboarding process ensures you learn to use this software quickly and your workspace gets set up with all the features your team needs and none of the ones they don’t
Limitations
- This program is purely web-based with no mobile app
- There’s no free version, and the cost may be too high for users who only need basic features
Pricing
- Team: $24 per member per month
- Professional: $34 per member per month
- Enterprise: $43 per member per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (190+ reviews)
7. Monday.com
If you’ve ever had a case of the Mondays, maybe it’s time to get Monday.com.
This task management and collaboration platform can help you start your Mondays—and all your other workdays—on the right foot by making it easier to see what you and your team need to do.
Sure, this online workspace isn’t as entertaining as the movie “Office Space,” but what online workspace is? ?
You can use monday.com to promote better client and team collaboration by inviting team members and clients to project boards, assigning tasks, and sharing files. This project management software will make it easier for your team to work together and communicate with your client.
Best features
- Project boards and task cards allow you to plan your project and assign tasks to team members, freelancers, or clients or share files to keep the collaboration process flowing
- Custom dashboards track your project progress, budget, and timeline with clear visuals like charts and graphs
- Automations allow you to set “if this then that” rules to trigger tasks or notifications when you complete certain steps, so you can—for example—automatically notify clients when deliverables are available for their review
Limitations
- Some users state that the automation features can malfunction, causing you to have to manually delete and recreate faulty tasks
- Other users report that it can be challenging to set and edit notification preferences
Pricing
- Free
- Basic: $8 per member per month
- Standard: $10 per member per month
- Pro: $16 per member per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,070+ reviews)
8. Trello
Trello is a popular name in the project management game. ?
Anyone who’s used project management tools in the last 10 years will likely recognize Trello’s layout. It’s based on agile processes and uses a Kanban board to help teams maintain productive collaboration.
You can create different boards for each of your client projects and then view your whole project board or view upcoming tasks in a to-do list or calendar view. This program is great for client onboarding, project planning, and tracking project progress.
It’s highly customizable. You can adjust your board to match your workflow, and you can invite clients to their own board so they can see their project documents and review tasks.
Best features
- Trello boards allow you to organize your project, schedule tasks, and assign tasks to your team members or to your clients
- Templates help you set up your client project boards quickly and easily—all you have to do is fill in the blanks
- Hundreds of integrations allow you to connect your favorite apps, like Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, and Google Docs
Limitations
- This program doesn’t have built-in reporting or analytics features, which can make it difficult to track the success of your project without adding an integration
- Trello has limited automation features and is better for planning simple projects rather than complex projects with multiple dependencies
Pricing
- Free
- Standard: $5 per member per month
- Premium: $10 per member per month
- Enterprise: $17.50 per member per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (13,340+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (22,680+ reviews)
9. AllClients
If your team runs lean, AllClients is the CRM to keep your relationships running smoothly. ?♂️
This client management tool was designed with small businesses in mind. AllClients says they offer “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” Translation: This tool is simple to use but not as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list.
Still for many small business owners, it will be everything you need. You can store your clients’ contact information in a customer database, and send out emails and SMS messages to stay in touch.
You can also automate a lot of your marketing tasks. So even if you have a small team, nothing will slip through the cracks.
Best features
- Built-in email marketing and communication tools help you keep in touch with your clients without paying for a separate email marketing program
- Automations allow you to send out follow-up messages and emails, so you can keep in touch with clients without putting in extra hours
- User-friendly design makes it easy to start using this program right away
Limitations
- While there is a 14-day free trial period, there is no free plan for users who only need basic features
- This app offers limited integration and customization options
Pricing
- Select: $24 per month
- Premium: $48 per month
- Elite: $96 per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (25+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (5+ reviews)
10. Bit.ai
If you’re looking for a better file-sharing solution to send deliverables to clients, Bit.ai has the docs to get it done. ?
This collaboration tool works just as well for your internal brainstorming sessions as it does for your client management process.
The collaboration features allow your team members to work together in real-time whether they’re in the same room or different countries. Once it’s time to share the work, you can send it through a workspace you set up just for your client. All you have to do is move the file over.
So, your client will only see what you want them to see, and you can keep your internal process to yourself—your own secret sauce. ?
Best features
- Interactive smart documents allow real-time collaboration from anywhere in the world with the ability to create tables, graphs, videos, and image files
- Wikis serve as a knowledge base where you can store company information, document your processes and policies, or add project information for each client
- Client workspaces keep your projects organized. You can invite stakeholders and move documents between your internal and client workspace when they’re ready to share
Limitations
- Some users report that it can be difficult to create and share documents, and viewers have to take extra steps to access documents shared with them
- This platform is entirely web-based, so there are no desktop or mobile apps
Pricing
- Free plan
- Pro plan: $8 per member per month
- Business plan: $15 per member per month
Ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (19+ reviews)
- Capterra: 5/5 (8+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseNext-Generation Collaboration Starts With ClickUp
There are a lot of programs that can help you manage your client projects, but if you want to take your client collaboration to the next level, then you need Whiteboards, shared Docs, instant messaging, commenting, and all the things that make it easier to work together in real-time.
ClickUp is built for brainstorming. It’s built for sharing. It’s built for collaborating. It’s built for everything agencies and professional service companies need. ?
In addition to collaboration features, you’ll also get advanced project management, reporting, resource management, and integrations with thousands of other apps, all in one place. Managing client projects can now feel less like herding cats. ?⬛
Get started for free to see if ClickUp fits your needs for client collaboration software.
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
