Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Why it wins | Watch‑out | Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipedrive | Sales pipeline + follow-up | Fast adoption | Not a full marketing suite | Try → |
| HubSpot | Marketing + CRM together | Automation + reporting | Can get pricey | Try → |
| Zoho | Flexible system | Lots of options | Needs configuration | Try → |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- Included a clear watch‑out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
Use-cases
Quick scenarios to help you decide without overthinking it.
- You run inbound funnels for yourself: HubSpot shines when you use forms, lifecycle stages, and automation.
- You just need sales follow-up discipline: Pipedrive is quicker and cheaper to adopt.
- You like customizing systems: Zoho can be strong value if you’re comfortable configuring.
Pipedrive — best for lead → deal clarity
Where it shines
- Simple pipeline for new business
- Great for tracking follow-ups and next actions
- Easy for sales + account leads to use
Gotchas to know
- Doesn’t replace a marketing automation platform
- Requires consistent stage definitions
Best fit
- Your agency sells through calls and proposals
- You want visibility in the pipeline without complexity
- You already use a separate email/marketing tool
Avoid if…
you want CRM + marketing automation in one product.
HubSpot — best if marketing automation matters
Where it shines
- CRM and marketing under one roof
- Good for lead capture, forms, and lifecycle stages
- Strong reporting when structured well
Gotchas to know
- Costs can rise as you scale
- You need someone to own setup and hygiene
Best fit
- You run inbound campaigns and want lifecycle automation
- You want to track leads from form → nurture → deal
- You’re consolidating tools
Avoid if…
you only want a lightweight pipeline CRM.
Zoho CRM — best if you want flexibility on a budget
Where it shines
- Custom fields/modules and workflows (plan-dependent)
- Good if you like tailoring systems
- Often strong value
Gotchas to know
- Setup takes longer
- UI can feel busy if you enable everything
Best fit
- You’re comfortable configuring tools
- You want flexibility without enterprise pricing
Avoid if…
you need something ‘plug and play’ with zero setup.
Salesflare — best if you want an email‑first CRM with less manual logging
Salesflare is a lightweight CRM that leans into automatic activity capture (email, calendar) so the pipeline stays accurate with less admin.
Try Salesflare Compare with Pipedrive
Bottom line
For most marketing agencies, HubSpot is the best fit when lifecycle marketing matters. If you want speed and simplicity, Pipedrive is the easiest win. If you want flexibility on a budget, Zoho can work well—just expect more setup.
Next: browse tools or start with best CRM.
FAQ
What’s the best crm for marketing agencies for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up crm for marketing agencies?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.