Tools & Apps Every Agency Needs To Have This 2024
Starting your online agency has never been easier before, and we know it takes a lot of work to make it work. But with all the available tools that you can use now, it is possible to run your business efficiently without wasting a lot of time on menial tasks. More than 90% of successful online agencies utilize multiple software tools to run their day-to-day business operations.
Here are some of the tools that agencies utilize, this is based on our experience working for an agency while using these tools:
Client/Project Management Tools/CRMs
Some people call them CRM, project management tool, or task management, you could call them however you want depending on how you use them. But the point is, every company needs a system of record to manage every aspect of your company. Like the projects, clients, employees, etc. Choosing the right CRM for your business could also affect how you deliver to your clients. So here are some are some of our highly recommended tools to have:
Hierarch.io
With this, you can manage your relationships with your clients and employees collaboratively. Unlike other tools in the market, it has a “focal point”. A page where every information you need is right there, and we called it the “Assignment”. In that page you would already know who the client is, the employee working for them, an SOP or standard operation procedure, and other key information you need. Creating an account is free,
Hubspot
This is one of the most sought-after tools by business owners. Because Hubspot is not just a CRM, but also a marketing platform with customer support features. It is a must-have tool if you are looking to grow your customer base. They also have tons of free tools that you can use, you should check them out.
Zoho CRM
Another top-rated CRM platform is Zoho CRM and just the first 2 apps, it has automation and the tools you will need to improve your customer relations, as well with your employees. This is primarily used by sales teams to grow their revenue.
Lead Generation Tools
Essential for every agency to have, since having a steady flow of clients is crucial in order to survive and scale. Having a lead generation software is like using a deep-seeking metal detector looking for gold instead of digging every spot with a shovel hoping you would find a vein. Doing cold outreach would not be so hard if you have one of these under your tool belt.
Apollo.io
If you need to have a swiss army knife for acquiring leads for your business, then this is what you need. It has email sequencing for your cold and warm emails, calls/meeting scheduling, and then have a huge database for searching for the right companies to contact. Plus, they also have a browser extension you can install.
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
As the name suggests, if you want to source your leads from LinkedIn then Sales Navigator is a must-have to reaching out. We advise you to prepare everything that you need before starting your subscription with this one. It can be pricey for beginners, so it helps if you reduce your time for preparation before starting your campaign.
Instantly.ai
Similar to Apollo.io but at a slightly lower price. You can organize your leads, send warm intro, create sequencing, and it also has a lot of integrations. We would suggest testing both tools before making a decision, you can create a free account.
Accounting Tools
Knowing the financial health of your company should be one of your primary concerns. No one wants to run an unprofitable business for a very long time. Or it can serve as an early warning signal for you to take action.
QuickBooks
Has been operating for a long time now, and a lot of companies trust the brand. And so should you. They have everything that you need from bookkeeping, tax deductions, and invoicing, they even have automation. And if ever you come to a point where you need to hire a certified accountant, this is one of the tools they would suggest you have.
Xero
The other tool your accountant or bookkeeper would suggest to you is Xero. These two companies have been the accounting standard for more than a decade(maybe more than 2 decades) now. Xero also has all the features that QuickBooks has plus they have a section on their website where you can find the closest accountant in your area. Which is pretty neat.
Marketing/Promotions Tool
Aside from doing lead generation, marketing your product and service is also essential. Sometimes it can be a daunting task especially for beginners. The companies that are listed here don’t just give you the tools that you need, they also educate you on how to them properly
SEMRush
They started as a keyword research tool, but now they have a full suite of tools that you would find useful for your marketing campaigns. They have also acquired several companies these past few years, adding to their collection of tools.
AHrefs
Another tool popular among the SEO communities is very efficient at a reasonable price. They have a lot of free tools too. They have a web crawler if you need an updated competitor research. They also have a blog that teaches you everything about SEO and marketing.
Moz Pro
When someone mentions Moz, if you’ve been a long-time marketer Rand Fishkin’s face would come to you mind. But nowadays, he’s been busy with his new company SparkToro (https://sparktoro.com/). Moz Pro has one of the finest tools every marketer would need to promote your business.
Other tools worth mentioning: SpyFu, Raven Tools, SEO PowerSuite, etc.
Automation/Workflow Tools
Being efficient with your time is a must, especially if you want to scale your revenue. Automation tools have become a necessity, especially for new business owners. They wouldn’t have the budget to hire an employee, so they automate the repetitive tasks.
Zapier
It’s the most recommended automation tool, you can create workflows connecting different apps with ease. It has a straightforward interface, easy to use. And you can create a free account to test out its different functionalities, and then upgrade if you need to automate more.
Integromat/Make.com
Make has the same functionalities that Zapier has, plus a lot more. With this, you can create complex (or even nested) automations. They have a wider range of apps to choose to automate. They also have a free account that gives you no limit to what you can do but you can only create 3 scenarios. You can always upgrade your account if you need more.
n8n.io
This is more interesting than the first two because aside from having the same functionalities and a wide variety of apps to include in your automation, you can host your automations directly on your computer by installing their downloadable software for free. And there’s no limit to the number of automations that you can run. And if you want to use the templates that other users shared on the community, that’s the only time you would need to upgrade your account.
Building an agency is similar to constructing a house, you need to have the right amount of resources, tools, machinery, and manpower to help you. Preparing all of these helps increase your chances of completing the project within the allotted time.
Hopefully, this article has given you the insight you need whether you’re planning or already in the process of starting your agency.
