- \n
- Google Workspace<\/a><\/li>\n
- Nimbus<\/a><\/li>\n
- Slack<\/a><\/li>\n
- Zoom<\/a><\/li>\n
- Trello<\/a><\/li>\n
- Figma<\/a><\/li>\n
- Whatsapp<\/a><\/li>\n
- Notion<\/a><\/li>\n
- Asana<\/a><\/li>\n
- MS Teams<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jira<\/a><\/li>\n
- Basecamp<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We’ve gathered research from thousands of members and found some interesting insights on what developers use in their organizations. We present our results below.<\/p>\n
All of this being said, every one of the above platforms has a solid reputation and is at the top of our list of most recommended project management software. (No, we are not affiliated with any of them.)<\/p>\n
So, which one(s) should you choose?<\/p>\n
Factors When Choosing Project Manager Tools<\/h2>\n
Before we start looking into a few WordPress project management tools, let\u2019s first discuss crucial factors you need to consider when choosing software that is suitable for you, both as a web developer and for a digital agency.<\/p>\n
#1. Deployment Location: Self-Hosted vs. Cloud<\/strong><\/p>\n
It\u2019s the modern era of cloud services, SaaS services<\/a>, or whatever name you want to call them; services available fully online are now the norm.<\/p>\n
The reason why these services have taken off and become so popular are various. Still, here are two that are the strongest differentiators:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Always on<\/strong> \u2013 SaaS-based products are available from anywhere and at any time. Today\u2019s modern office is not restricted by location, time, geography, or anything else. If you\u2019ve got an internet connection, you can work \u2013 physical access to your office is a thing of the past. SaaS fully enables the digital nomad lifestyle.<\/li>\n
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership<\/strong> \u2013 You can start immediately with cloud-based software. No need for infrastructural investments, licensing costs, maintenance agreements, or support personnel. The initial investment and the running costs are typically cheaper for cloud-based products, even when paying monthly and per user, especially for SMBs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
#2. Focused or Adapted for Web Design and\/or WordPress Project Management<\/strong><\/p>\n
This article discusses project management tools with a specific focus on WordPress and web design and development here, so the tool you should use must somewhat revolve around your needs as a web designer\/developer.<\/p>\n
While nonspecific project management tools are a dime-a-dozen, you\u2019ll find more suitable candidates when you start niching into web design and WordPress.<\/p>\n
Now, don\u2019t get me wrong, generic tools are great. Many are open and configurable enough to let you get on with the job \u2013 even if they are not specifically developed with WordPress or web design project management. In fact, we\u2019ll cover quite a few tools that are quite general.<\/p>\n
#3. The Service Addresses Your Pain Points<\/strong><\/p>\n
Before you subscribe to one of the many project management services, you\u2019ll need to do a little bit of introspection:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What are the problems I\u2019m facing as a web designer or agency?<\/li>\n
- What changes do I need to make in my own processes besides adopting a project management tool?<\/li>\n
- Do I need to resolve internal communication issues?<\/li>\n
- Do I have a problem managing or communicating with the client?<\/li>\n
- Do I typically underestimate the effort required and overspend on budgeted hours?<\/li>\n
- Do I have problems remembering all the tasks that need to be done?<\/li>\n
- Are my developers and designers having trouble getting through to each other?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As you can see from the above, some of the problems can be resolved using a good project management tool; others can be resolved if you use proper job scheduling software<\/a>, while others still need surgery.<\/p>\n
No software can fix intrinsic problems YOU have to fix.<\/p>\n
Luckily, a good WordPress project management tool can surely ease some of the nagging pain points most agencies and freelancers are bound to experience during their day-to-day business. In fact, I daresay a project management tool is essential if you care about the success of your business.<\/p>\n
So, let\u2019s get to it!<\/p>\n
Project Management Software<\/h2>\n
Google Workspace<\/h3>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/google-workspace-header.png\")
A well-known name that has your workspace covered.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Google Workspace<\/a>, formally G Suite, is \u201ca flexible, innovative solution for people and organizations to achieve more.\u201d They offer a vast variety of tools to collaborate with coworkers and clients.<\/p>\n
Tools include custom email, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, and more.<\/p>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Google-workspace-example-1050x661.png\")
Google Meet is an example of what\u2019s included in Google Workspace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Google Workplace has various plans and pricing<\/a> that are based on cloud storage, users, and specific pages (e.g. appointment booking pages available on all but one plan).<\/p>\n
Nimbus<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"nimbus](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nimbus-header.png\")
Nimbus has a lot of various elements to make this a go-to project management tool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Nimbus<\/a> is a platform with a variety of tools \u2013 including Nimbus Note<\/a> (for creating online notes, docs, and wikis), Nimbus Capture<\/a> (for screenshots and screencasts), and Nimbus Clipper<\/a> (for grabbing web pages and deleting irrelevant parts).<\/p>\n
It consists of client portals, easy collaboration, knowledge sharing, and project management tools.<\/p>\n
![\"Nimbus](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nimbus-example-1050x642.png\")
Collaboration is simple and easy with Nimbus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Over a million professionals use their software. A great perk of their platform is it\u2019s free to get started. Then, you can upgrade for an insanely cheap price<\/a>. The upgrades include more workspaces, automation, custom SMTP, and more.<\/p>\n
Slack<\/h3>\n
![\"Slack](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/slack-header.png\")
Slack is another household name for remote teams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Here at WPMU DEV, Slack<\/a> is no stranger to us. After all, we use it to communicate with our coworkers daily. We have Huddle calls, provide feedback on plugins (and other tech), determine what blog posts to write about (like this one!) \u2013 and much more.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one platform for the entire team and work. Everything can be managed from Channels, Slack Connect (to sync up with teams at other companies), Messaging, and more.<\/p>\n
![\"Slack](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/slack-example-1050x693.png\")
Slack works well on mobile and desktop platforms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Considering it\u2019s essential to our workflow here at WPMU DEV, and we\u2019ve been happy with it, it\u2019s worth checking out as a reliable option for your own project management.<\/p>\n
Slack has pricing options<\/a> that depend on the size of your business or organization.<\/p>\n
Zoom<\/h3>\n
![\"Zoom](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/zoom-banner-1050x605.png\")
Zoom is a great way to communicate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cFor staff communication, we use Zoom for meetings and email for regular correspondence.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Tisagh C. \u2013 WPMU DEV Member<\/strong><\/p>\n
Another very popular software for project management is Zoom<\/a>. Zoom is one of those platforms that\u2019s known as THE video conferencing platform. \u201cHey, let\u2019s have a Zoom call.\u201d Ever heard that or something similar?<\/p>\n
Their virtual meeting capabilities allow you to \u201cmeet\u201d with anyone globally. Whether it be mobile or your computer \u2013 it’s possible to communicate with coworkers, potential clients, or anyone in a few clicks.<\/p>\n
You can record the conversations, have up to 1000 participants, enable chat, and much more.<\/p>\n
![\"Zoom](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/zoom-example-1050x789.png\")
A Zoom meeting is a common way to get in touch with anyone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Plus, sign up for Zoom for free. Or, you can upgrade<\/a> if you need longer meetings, need more cloud storage, or depending on the number of participants in your meeting (e.g. 1000s of people).<\/p>\n
Trello<\/h3>\n
![\"Trello](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/trello.png\")
Trello is an extremely popular project management software.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cI use Trello for project management and to organize my worklists.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Marianna \u2013 WPMU DEV User<\/strong><\/p>\n
With Trello<\/a>, you have the ability to see your projects at every angle \u2013 whether with a board, timeline table, workspace view \u2013 you name it. Trello is a leader when it comes to project management software.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s known as a visual platform where you can view all projects in one place in a simple and easy-to-understand way.<\/p>\n
You can upload files, create checklists, add 3rd party apps, and much more.<\/p>\n
![\"Trello](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/trello-example-1050x596.png\")
Trello is used by over 2 million users worldwide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Trello is free, or you can upgrade<\/a> based on the amount of users, controls, and security you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n
Figma<\/h3>\n
![\"Figma](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/figma-header.png\")
Figma is great for brainstorming with clients or collaborators.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Especially great for designers, Figma<\/a> works well in visually collaborative environments. It functions as if you\u2019re in the same room \u2013 with sticky notes, online whiteboard for drawing or marking, and live collaboration.<\/p>\n
You can map the process with their FigJam option. This keeps everything flowing and \u201cjamming\u201d as you collaborate, to ensure a project is done on time.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to use and communicate with your team via text, notes, and handoffs from designer to developer.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/figma-example-1-1050x831.png\")
A brainstorming session in Figma.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Figma is free, or you can upgrade<\/a> if you need more Figma Files and resources.<\/p>\n
Whatsapp<\/h3>\n
![\"Whatsapp](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/whatsapp.png\")
Got a lot of messaging with a team to do? WhatsApp can help.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n For mobile project management, WhatsApp<\/a> is a free app designed for small business owners. With the app, you can use automated tools to connect with clients and quickly get back to clients\u2019 messages.<\/p>\n
WhatsApp has a group chat feature, so you can easily connect with your team. Beyond an app, you can sync your chats to your computer. Additionally, you can send PDFs, docs, spreadsheets, slideshows, and more.<\/p>\n
![\"Whatsapp](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/whatsapp-example.png\")
Though it\u2019s known as an app, you can also use WhatsApp on your computer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n It\u2019s entirely free to use WhatsApp, making it a simple solution to avoid SMS fees and communicate efficiently with your team and clients.<\/p>\n
Notion<\/h3>\n
![\"Notion](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/notion-1050x264.png\")
Notion is a highly customizable project management tool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cI\u2019m in it all day, every day. I even built a client dashboard template and want to create more for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Keith \u2013 WPMU DEV Member<\/strong><\/p>\n
Notion<\/a> is a highly customizable workspace where you can connect your teams, projects, and docs. You can drag and drop the dashboard, website, doc, or system however you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s used for project management by some top companies; such as Loom, Figma, mixpanel, and Pixar.<\/p>\n
The goal of Notion is to simplify communication between you and your team by offering their streamlined customizable options all in one place.<\/p>\n
![\"Some](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/notion-example-1050x657.png\")
Customize the dashboard however you like.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n It\u2019s free to start with Notion, and then there are upgrades you can purchase monthly or yearly. Some packages include unlimited file uploads, collaborative workspaces, and admin tools.<\/p>\n
Asana<\/h3>\n
![\"asana](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/asana-header.png\")
Asana was made to make complex work simple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cI used Asana for a long time, I like their UX, colors, and branding. As well as their explaining videos.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Mo \u2013 WPMU DEV Project Manager<\/strong><\/p>\n
Want to eliminate frequent meetings and streamline your project management? Asana<\/a> might be a great platform for you. You can manage dependent, overlapping, and unscheduled projects. Plus, it has boards that simplifies focus for you and your team.<\/p>\n
Additionally, you can automate tasks, such as assigning work, setting due dates, and more. And there is reporting for your work, so you can easily monitor the progress.<\/p>\n
![\"Asana](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/asana-example.png\")
You can label and organize your tasks by clients, coworkers, priorities, and more.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Asana is free. However, upgrades available<\/a> have features, such as unlimited free guests, unlimited integrations, and more.<\/p>\n
MS Teams<\/h3>\n
![\"Microsoft](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/microsoft-header.png\")
Love Microsoft? MS Teams might be for you.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Of course, Microsoft is a giant in the tech world, and its MS Teams<\/a> is a rising star in its universe. With MS Teams, you can create and manage teams, schedule meetings, use language transitions, share files, and much more.<\/p>\n
There are even remote learning tools for educating your clients or developers.<\/p>\n
![\"Microsoft](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/microsoft-teams-1050x581.png\")
For video conferencing, MS Teams is a great free solution.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n It\u2019s free to use, or you can upgrade<\/a> if you have many users, need video transcripts, and more.<\/p>\n
Jira<\/h3>\n
![\"Jira](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jira-header-1050x162.png\")
Jira is a great way to schedule tasks from.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Like Slack, Jira is another go-to software here at WPMU DEV. Other developers agree that it\u2019s great for project management. You can assign tasks, update them on a customized timeline, mark them as \u201cdone\u201d and much more.<\/p>\n
Plus, you can incorporate 3rd party apps (e.g. Slack) so that everything is organized in one convenient place. Here at WPMU DEV, we have it so that when a new task is assigned to an individual, they\u2019re pinged on Slack. The link on Slack takes that person directly to the task.<\/p>\n
![\"Jira](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jira-example-1050x635.png\")
Jira\u2019s drag-and-drop dashboard makes it easy to organize and assign tasks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Like a lot of our options, you can get Jira for free. Then you can upgrade<\/a> depending on the amount of users you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n
Basecamp<\/h3>\n
![\"Basecamp](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/basecamp-header-1050x211.png\")
Basecamp prides itself on being simple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership<\/strong> \u2013 You can start immediately with cloud-based software. No need for infrastructural investments, licensing costs, maintenance agreements, or support personnel. The initial investment and the running costs are typically cheaper for cloud-based products, even when paying monthly and per user, especially for SMBs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Nimbus<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"Basecamp](\"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/basecamp-example-1050x1088.png\")