Choosing Software for a Creative Agency

As digital resources continue to make life easier for companies everywhere, many creative agencies are on the constant quest for a project management platform that is intuitive, cost-effective, and aligned with their processes. If you’re looking to take your project management into the cloud – or if you’re on the lookout for a better option than your current setup – keep reading.

Keep these questions in mind when you’re evaluating what kind of software to choose for your agency’s next big (or small) project:

Is it cloud based?

A desktop-based project management software can be comfortable, but it can also have limitations. Unlike cloud-based applications, desktop software often saves your data locally, which means you can only access it from your computer. Cloud apps save data in a centralized & secure location, which enables you to access your information anytime from any internet-connected device. All you need is a WiFi connection and you are good to go – whether you’re in the office, at home on a flex day or in a cab between client meetings.

Do you need to manage multiple projects at once?

Some platforms are set up well to help you manage a single, large-scale workflow. While this might suit the needs of some companies, agencies often have multiple projects and contracts at once. If you do manage multiple projects, look for a project management platform that gives you an intuitive and robust approach to this. For example, TaskBranch allows you to set up multiple projects, multiple clients and multiple users – and configure them how you need.

How will you train your team to use it?

Agency software should make processes easier. This can only be done if your team can quickly learn how to use the tools and get down to business, which is why ease-of-use and customer support is a key consideration when selecting the right software.

Some companies may have a specialist come to your office and conduct a team training session, while others may offer a comprehensive knowledge base. No matter which route you take, make sure that you will have help when you need it most.

What size of a business is it designed for?

Not all project management software work for all agencies. Some are built for freelancers, some are built for enterprise clients, and many are somewhere in between. There’s no point in paying for a project management platform that incorporates features you will never use, and there’s no point in deploying a platform if it doesn’t do everything you need. Before pulling the gun on an agency-wide rollout, make sure you demo a project to ensure it fits your team size and needs.

Think about extra features

Once you’ve narrowed down some platforms based on fundamentals, it can be a good idea to look at extra features that could enhance your workflow today or come in handy in the future. For example, what integrations could plug in to your existing apps and tools?

Excellent project management in the digital age is all about making your projects easier to organize, track and monitor, while allowing your team to communicate without barriers. In the end, the success of your project may depend heavily on what kind of a digital platform you use. Make sure you choose the right one!

If you haven’t already tried TaskBranch, we encourage you to create your account today. It’s free for 30 days!