ClickUp vs Asana: The 2024 Agency Decision Guide

Is your team stretched thin trying to handle so many tasks? This is a common problem within teams and agencies that dabble in different projects for various clients. 

However, a powerful project management tool can make all the difference, improving project performance by 77%. While there are many options to choose from, we know how tedious and time-consuming decision-making can be. So, we’ve zeroed in on the two titans you can explore: ClickUp and Asana. 

We’ve comprehensively compared their features, strengths, and weaknesses. The cherry on top? We'll reveal a platform tailored to streamline project management, client relationships, and payments.

How to choose a project management software

Teams who need efficient project management software usually work in a fast-paced environment. We’re talking about juggling multiple clients, approvals, and tracking deliverables. 

So, it’s ideal that you choose a platform that lets you:

• Spend less time figuring out the tech so you can just focus on delivery. A project management tool should not become a project in itself. You need software that’s easy to navigate and gets your whole team onboard with minimal effort. 

• Manage client collaboration smoothly. Transparency builds trust—clients appreciate being in the loop, especially about complex projects like web design or branding campaigns. Plus, clear communication ensures alignment, avoiding costly revisions and missed deadlines.

• Manage both simple and complex projects. Agencies often work on various projects, and your software should adapt seamlessly to this complexity. Look for a tool that can provide basic task management for routine work and advanced project controls for intricate work.

• Connect with your existing platforms. Think of tools like Slack for communication, Google Drive for file storage, and Stripe for payments. Your project management software must connect with them for a smooth process. Integrations reduce repetitive manual work by automating routine tasks. Remember that your project management tool must make your work easier.

• Specialized features for agencies. Agencies need tools that do more than track tasks—they also need CRM, billing, or creative collaboration features built into the software. If these features aren’t native to the tool, multiple software subscriptions are needed, which leads to fragmented workflows. 

What is ClickUp?

ClickUp—a one-stop solution for teams of all sizes managing projects to the detail. If your team uses multiple processes to document project info, you’ll love how this app lets you manage them in one place. You can think of it as the Swiss Army knife of project management systems.

ClickUp’s key features

With ClickUp’s vast array of features, it can be overwhelming if you’re new to the tool. We’ve handpicked the top three features agencies will find most relevant.

Multiple project views

One of ClickUp’s standout features is its ability to cater to various work styles through multiple project views. This ensures that every team—whether detail-oriented leads or big-picture strategists—stays organized and aligned without friction. 

Some of the available views include:

• List view: Straightforward presentation of tasks 
• Board view: Kanban-style view to keep track of tasks across different stages 
• Gantt chart: Gives a bird’s eye view of the ideal and planned timeline of a project
• Calendar view: Perfect for due date specific tasks like social media posting or event planning

Extensive customization options

Thanks to ClickUp’s deep customization functions, it fits nearly any workflow or project type. Freelancers, small teams, startups, and even agencies can all find a way to use ClickUp to optimize their workflows. 

Multi-hierarchy structure

ClickUp’s multi-hierarchy structure gives teams a layered, modular framework for organizing work with precision and scalability. This feature breaks down work into five main levels: Spaces, Folders, Lists, Tasks, and Subtasks—great help for high-level planning to granular task management​.

ClickUp Pros

• Highly customizable workflow
• Extensive integration options with third-party tools
• Time-tracking and automation come with every plan

ClickUp Cons

• Complex interface 
• Steep learning curve
• Overwhelming array of features

ClickUp Pricing

• Free Plan available
• Unlimited: $10 monthly, per user
• Business: $19 monthly, per user
• Enterprise: Custom

What is Asana?

Asana is another popular project management tool known for its intuitive design and ease of use. Despite its simplicity, it has robust task management capabilities so projects always stay visible even if teams have heavy workloads.

Asana’s key features

Here’s our roundup of Asana’s top features agencies will definitely gravitate towards.

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Task assignments and collaboration tools

Asana’s task assignments and collaboration tools best promote accountability and teamwork. For example, each task can only be assigned to one person, making it clear who’s responsible for getting it done. However, other team members can leave comments directly on tasks, keeping discussions organized and accessible.

Integration capabilities  

Asana plays nicely with over 270 applications. These integrations streamline work by ensuring that key tools and data are connected in one place, reducing the need to hop between platforms.

Custom fields

Custom fields let teams shape Asana. Teams can add extra data points to tasks so they fit their unique needs—whether it's tracking KPIs, adding financial data, or organizing work based on custom project phases. 

Asana Pros

• User-friendly and easy to learn
• Strong focus on collaboration with integrations like Slack and Google.
• Comprehensive template library for quick project setup

Asana Cons

• No built-in time tracking

Asana Pricing

• Basic: Free
• Premium: $8. 50 monthly, per user
• Business: $19.21 monthly, per user
• Business and enterprises: Custom

There’s no doubt—ClickUp and Asana are both amazing in their own right. However, they are both still general project management tools. Now, if any of these descriptions fit your team—

• Design agencies focused on custom websites or creative deliverables
• Or web flow experts managing iterative design projects
• Or any service-based agencies

—a purpose-built platform tailored to your specific needs like ManyRequests is worth looking into. 

What is ManyRequests?

ManyRequests is particularly advantageous for creative agencies that rely heavily on collaboration and feedback. What sets this platform apart is its client-centric approach. Here’s what we mean:

ManyRequests’ key features

Client portal 

Aside from providing an internal management tool, ManyRequests also offers a dedicated client portal where clients can easily track all their projects and requests in one place. This boosts transparency by giving clients a clear view of progress. In this “station,” they can submit new requests, give feedback on designs, and communicate directly with the agency via a secure messaging system.  

Project management tools 

Managing tasks is a breeze as ManyRequests lets you sort and prioritize tasks by key criteria—like client name, due date, or task status (active vs. completed)—so your team can stay on top of what matters most.

Billing and invoicing 

ManyRequests simplifies your agency’s financials with integrated billing and invoicing. You can bill clients per project, hourly, or set up recurring payments for subscription services. The platform also supports custom invoices with your branding, adding a professional touch to your communications. With everything—from payments to expenses—tracked in one place, you gain insights into revenue.  

ManyRequests Pros 

• Specifically tailored for creative agencies, especially those handling web, design, and webflow projects, making it easier to manage service requests and deliverables.
• Consolidates all messages, projects, and feedback in one place.  
• Manages invoices, recurring payments, and customer relationships within the same platform.  

ManyRequests Cons

• Subscription-based instead of flat-priced 

ManyRequests Pricing

• Starter: $99 monthly, per user  
• Core: $149 monthly, per user
• Pro: $399 monthly, per user  
• Enterprise: Custom pricing is available upon request  

Choose the right tool for your agency and transform your project management process

Yes, ClickUp and Asana are industry favorites. After all, they both offer robust features to streamline work and boost productivity. However, if your agency also aims to excel in client management, ManyRequests can be a game-changer. 

Here’s a quick comparison table of the three platforms:

The Verdict

If you’re looking for flexible project management, ClickUp offers extensive views and custom workflows. Meanwhile, Asana simplifies planning for teams looking for a straightforward way to manage tasks. 

However, if you run an agency and need a solution tailored for client-facing projects, ManyRequests provides integrated portals, billing, and design annotation tools—perfect for Webflow, design, and website agencies. Try ManyRequests free for 14 days. 

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