ManyRequests is a client portal and client requests management software for creative services.
Is your agency facing this common problem with your current software?
“Reporting isn't great, even simple things like MRR, active client number, single project invoices and true KPIs is very difficult to find and generate.”
You’re not alone.
Running a creative agency requires more than delivering great work. You need to manage client relationships, projects, and handle invoicing—often while switching between multiple tools that don't talk to each other. This creates data silos, wastes time, and increases the risk of errors.
It’s about time that stops.
I wrote this guide to show you the best CRM and invoicing software with these features in one platform. I’ll evaluate them based on real agency needs, focusing on the features that matter most: client management, invoicing capabilities, and project tracking, which ManyRequests has.
I’ll also explain the key features to look for in a CRM and billing software to integrate into your tech stack.
Features to Look for in the Best CRM and Invoicing Software for Agencies
Before you choose any software in this list, read carefully and check their company website to see if the tool has these features:
1. Client Management System
You need a central space to keep all client interactions, project requirements, communication, and project history. This single source of truth prevents information loss across scattered communication channels. Here’s what that could look like:
Here, ManyRequests shows you a landing page view of all your active clients, revenue, and tasks. Each task can be expanded to show the project details based on the client’s requirements.
2. Customization
Different agencies have unique workflows. Choose a CRM for agencies that allows customization that fits your specific processes. This can include custom fields, workflows, and reporting to match your agency’s operations.
3. Project Management Features
These features connect client data and project requirements with the project itself through features like task assignments, deadlines, and other task properties. Check if your preferred client management software for agencies can help you maintain organized workflows and inform clients of progress without manual efforts like this:
Here, the client can be on each task with custom visibility to view task statuses and deadlines alone. They can also write comments but you can make that private— so your team member doesn't see it.
4. Invoicing and Payment Processing
Use a creative agency management software with professional invoice generation and payment tracking to convert completed work into revenue. To reduce manual administrative work, look for features like recurring billing and automated payment reminders. Here’s an automated invoice generated through ManyRequests’ service portal:
5. White-Label Client Portal
If reducing the number of tools is a priority, look for CRM for agencies that allow you to invite clients to your portal where they can view projects, approve deliverables, and access invoices. This creates a professional experience and eliminates the need for multiple client communication tools.
6. Team Collaboration Features
Built-in communication tools, file sharing, and feedback systems keep your team organized and informed about their tasks. These features also reduce revision cycles, so opt for a tool with this feature embedded in its CRM and invoicing software.
7. Integration Capabilities
You may use tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Zapier, or other software that gets your job done. Select software that integrates with your existing tools to avoid switching between applications.
8 Best CRM and Invoicing Software for Agencies in 2024
I followed a hunch and saw that many agency owners on Reddit are looking for an all-in-one tool with a client portal, invoicing and billing, project management, custom fields, and other integrations to get their job done faster:
ManyRequests has all these features without the extra credit card fees (of almost $1,400/month) in tools like Copilot, “HoneyBook, Dubsado, and Bonsai,” according to this agency owner:
Here’s a quick comparison of 8 reviewed CRM for agencies to see how ManyRequests shines:
Let’s learn more about these tools:
1. ManyRequests
ManyRequests is a client portal with CRM and invoicing features specifically designed for creative agencies to improve client and project management and communicate with teams better. It is an all-in-one platform to show your one-off and retainer services and enhance the client experience through its onboarding feature and user-friendly interface. The top features include:
CRM Features
ManyRequests has a white-label client portal that helps you receive client requests and manage their details. First, you can use the productized service catalog to categorize all your agency’s services.
This helps you qualify leads and set clear expectations on the services you’ll offer them before they pay.
ManyRequests also lets you streamline the sales process by allowing clients to select the services they want through your branded portal.
The custom intake forms attached to each service help you collect all required information upfront and assign the task to a team member. This helps you write detailed briefs faster without delaying project deadlines with back-and-forth clarifications on what the client wants.
ManyRequests also gives each client a dedicated space to submit requests, track project progress, and access deliverables. This reduces back-and-forth emails, improves the client experience, and stores all client interactions, files, and project history in one searchable location.
Billing and Invoicing
ManyRequests integrates billing directly into the client workflow.
Once you set up your service pricing, the invoicing and billing process is automated based on the service a client purchases. This reduces billing errors and saves administrative time. Here’s an example of an invoice after a task is marked completed:
ManyRequests also handles one-time and recurring payments through the Stripe integration. This helps you check payment status, send automatic reminders, and view real-time financial reports. It also gives you visibility into “simple things like MRR, active client number, single project invoices.”
Project Management
ManyRequests turns client requests into tasks.
This lets you assign tasks, share files, and communicate with team members in the same task box created by your client’s service request. You can customize every taskbar so your clients don’t see granular details like team members assigned to their tasks or conversations between you and your team.
If you want to, you can give clients visibility to project statuses and task deadlines. This helps you collaborate with your team without locking clients out.
ManyRequests also lets you track time against specific tasks and generate reports to know your high-paying clients, projects, or most performing team members.
You can use the Requests dashboard to monitor all active tasks, deadlines, and assignees and stay updated about all agency activities.
And if you want to set triggers like “when this happens…do this”, use our integration with Zapier for customizations documented here.
Pricing
- Starter: $99/2 user/m. +$40 for an extra user.
- Core: $149/5 user/m. +$40 for an extra user.
- Pro: $399/10 users/m + $40 for an extra user.
- Enterprise: custom pricing includes advanced automation and dedicated account support
2. Productive
Productive is a project manager with CRM and billing software features. Its suite of features helps you combine the different use cases in a single interface, including:
CRM Features
Productive has a CRM for agency system that integrates sales management with project workflows. It lets you set up custom sales funnels and track potential revenue per sales representative. It converts won deals directly into projects and eliminates the need for manual data entry.
However, Productive doesn’t have a white-label client portal feature, which limits client self-service options like in ManyRequests.
Billing and Invoicing
Productive lets you file invoices based on billable hours or set service rates. It tracks invoiced amounts automatically from your time entries and allows you to bill entire projects or specific project segments based on actual costs.
It also integrates with Xero and QuickBooks for advanced accounting needs.
Project Management
The software has task management and team collaboration features with project views like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and workload views. You can track time directly within tasks using the built-in timer or through weekly timesheets. You can also use its resource management feature to monitor team availability and workload balance.
Pricing
- Essential: $11/user/m
- Professional: $28/user/m
- Ultimate: $39/user/m
3. HubSpot
HubSpot is a comprehensive CRM for agencies with resources that facilitate the entire customer journey— from attracting your clients to converting leads and working on their projects. Some of its features include:
CRM Features
HubSpot's CRM has comprehensive client relationship tools with automated data capture. It automatically logs client emails, calls, and website interactions and lets you create custom deal pipelines matching your agency's sales process. HubSpot also has meeting scheduling tools and email templates to improve lead reception of your brand’s messaging.
While it doesn’t have a dedicated client portal, it offers client-facing features through its Service Hub add-on.
Billing and Invoicing
HubSpot's native invoicing capabilities come through its Sales Hub Enterprise tier, which starts at US$100/mo/seat. This feature helps you create quotes and proposals but requires integration with accounting software like QuickBooks for full invoicing features.
You can track deal values and revenue within the CRM, but anything granular needs additional tools.
Project Management
You can create tasks, set deadlines, and assign work to team members through HubSpot's Operations Hub. This system has basic collaboration tools but lacks advanced features like resource allocation or time tracking.
Most agencies integrate HubSpot with project management tools like Asana for their operations because HubSpot is primarily a CRM tool for agencies and companies.
Pricing
The prices vary based on your use case and the features you need. However, it starts at $20/user/m and goes up to $100/user/m for the typical service agency, as seen below. Check their pricing page for more information.
4. HoneyBook
HoneyBook is another client management software for agencies, solopreneurs, and small business owners. It can even be called a “client-flow manager” because it helps you manage client workflows to streamline business operations. Some of its CRM and invoicing features include:
CRM Features
HoneyBook’s client-centric CRM helps you manage leads through a visual pipeline and automate follow-ups with email sequences. Its standout feature is its white-label client portal, where clients view proposals, sign contracts, and make payments.
Clients also get a dedicated workspace to exchange conversations about the project or fill in customizable inquiry forms to take client details.
Billing and Invoicing
HoneyBook lets you create branded invoices and set up automatic payment schedules. It accepts credit cards and bank transfers through its native payment processing and also connects invoices to contracts and projects, which helps you track project-based revenue.
You can automate payment reminders and receive notifications when clients pay (which is typical of any billing software).
Project Management
HoneyBook's project tools focus on client deliverables and timelines. You can create project timelines with automated client notifications for each milestone. It also has file-sharing and feedback features but lacks comprehensive resource management features.
You can track task progress and use its time-tracking feature to log billable hours, but it doesn't have project views like Kanban or Gantt charts.
Pricing
- Starter Plan: $19/m
- Essential Plan: 39/m
- Unlimited Plan: $79/m
5. Monday.com
Monday.com is a CRM and billing software designed to improve project management and team collaboration for agency owners and businesses of all sizes. Its highly customizable platform lets you manage workflows, track tasks, and communicate better with teams.
CRM Features
Monday.com has a flexible CRM that allows you to customize its boards. You can use its drag-and-drop feature to build contact databases and deal pipelines. While it doesn’t have a dedicated client portal, you can share specific boards with clients for collaboration and use the custom forms to capture leads.
Monday.com also allows integration with Gmail and Outlook for email sync to follow up with leads directly from the platform.
Billing and Invoicing
Monday.com handles invoicing through its marketplace integrations. You can connect with QuickBooks, Xero, or other financial tools for the billing part. The platform uses the custom boards I referred to to track project budgets and expenses. You can also use it to create invoice workflows through automation recipes.
Project Management
This is where monday.com shines. You can organize work in multiple views, including Kanban, Gantt, calendar, and timeline, and use its workload management tools to allocate resources based on the capacity of your team members. You can use the time-tracking feature at both task and project levels and collaborate with in-platform file sharing, @mentions, and update tracking.
Pricing
Like HubSpot, it has different pricing plans based on the “product” you want to use. However, its CRM product starts at $12/seat/month and goes up to $28/seat/month. See image below:
6. Podio
Podio is a creative agency management software that lets you create custom applications and workflows without extensive technical skills. This allows you to create a flexible solution based on your agency's needs. Some of its CRM and invoicing software features include:
CRM Features
Podio lets users create client management workflows without coding knowledge through its app market and custom workspace builder. You can use it to track client relationships through linked records and automated data entry.
While it doesn’t have white-label client portal features, you can set up external workspaces for client access and connect communication threads, files, and project data to each client record through the contact management system.
Billing and Invoicing
You can build invoice-tracking apps within Podio but need external tools for actual invoice generation and payment processing features, unlike ManyRequests with Stripe embedded for your billing needs. However, you can track project budgets and expenses through custom-built financial apps.
Project Management
This is one of its strengths; Podio lets you create project spaces with task management, file sharing, and team communication tools. It has an activity stream feature for project updates and automated task dependencies. You can flex its resource management feature through custom-built scheduling apps.
You can also use it to track time per task or project.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Basic features for up to 5 users
- Plus Plan: $11.20/month
- Premium Plan: $19.20/month
7. EngageBay
EngageBay is one of the best CRM and invoicing software your agency can use. It is a customer service automation platform that helps you organize operations. It integrates different tools to manage customer relationships, marketing campaigns, and sales processes through creative agency management features like:
CRM Features
EngageBay lets you track lead interactions across email, social media, and website visits like HubSpot. It automates lead scoring and contact segmentation based on behavior and shows deal pipelines with visual progress tracking. It doesn’t have a client portal, but you can share project updates through automated email sequences.
It also has appointment scheduling and email tracking features if you want to follow up with leads.
Billing and Invoicing
EngageBay lets you create invoices with customizable templates and can be used to track basic expenses and forecast revenue. It uses the integrated payment gateway for your billing needs and helps you track payment statuses.
Project Management
EngageBay lets you manage active tasks and collaborate with your team. You can assign tasks, add due dates, and see task statuses. It also has basic file-sharing and time-tracking tracking features but lacks advanced project views like Gantt charts or resource allocation tools.
Regardless, it works, but it may be too advanced if you’re looking for simple CRM and invoicing software with a project management feature.
Pricing
- Basic: $14.99/user/m
- Growth: $16.99/user/m
- Pro: $119.99/user/m
8. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, expense-tracking, and time management features. Its CRM and billing software for agency use cases includes:
CRM Features
FreshBooks is an accounting-first platform that lets you save basic client information and communication history. It also has a client portal that allows clients to access invoices and make payments; its CRM feature is largely limited to serving billing needs rather than comprehensive relationship management.
Billing and Invoicing
This is where it shines. FreshBooks lets you customize invoices and set automatic payment reminders. It has time-based billing and expense tracking with receipt capture features, which lets you generate detailed financial reports and connect with bank accounts to reconcile expenses.
Project Management
FreshBooks lets you create projects and assign specific tasks to team members. It also has a time-tracking feature to log hours worked, and you can use the expense-tracking feature to categorize expenses related to specific projects. You can upload receipts or manually enter details if you need to upload expenses related to a project on the FreshBooks portal.
The platform lets you collaborate with your team on tasks as they can share files, write comments, and visualize project timelines through Gantt charts.
Pricing
FreshBooks has a 50% off offer for six months at the time of writing. Without the discount offer, their pricing is:
- Lite: $19/m + $11 per extra user
- Plus: $53/m + $11 per extra user
- Premium: $60/m + $11 per extra user
- Select (or Enterprise): contact sales
Conclusion + Next Steps
Now that you’ve read through the 8 best CRM and invoicing software for your agency, what’s the next step?
This review has shown that your agency needs a solution that eliminates multiple tools, automates repetitive tasks, and gives you time for creative work. This solution helps you handle multiple clients, scale your team, and avoid juggling separate project management, billing, and CRM tools.
So, for the next steps, decide whether you need an all-in-one portal for these multiple needs or a specialized tool with specific use cases. If you’re an enterprise agency with complex sales cycles, use HubSpot for its advanced automation and detailed analytics, although it requires significant setup time and budget.
If you’re a mid-sized agency looking for sales-focused tools, consider EngageBay for its pipeline management feature, although you need integrations to manage projects.
But if you need a true all-in-one solution that eliminates tool sprawl, use ManyRequests for its combination of a white-label client portal, automated billing, and project management features for everyday agency needs. Whenever you’re ready, try ManyRequests for free. You’ll get full access to all features for 14 days. No credit card required.
