Nearly 100% of the time, the success of a project depends on how well it is managed. When you’re working on a project, you probably work with other creatives – people you have to manage and guide through the various stages of the project. Project management tools can make the process much easier by bundling all the different aspects together in one easy-to-use system to ensure your success.
When it comes to choosing free, open-source or premium project management software, you have some fantastic options at your disposal Let’s take a look…
1. Zoho Projects
This cool software has a free version which gives you 10MB of storage space, with the option to upgrade for $20 per month, which gives you anywhere from 5-30 GB of storage. Users have said that it is as intuitive as Facebook, and it offers a range of features, such as:
- Gantt chart options (for setting tasks and complex milestones).
- Timesheets.
- Detailed reporting features.
- 50+ pre-made report templates.
2. Trello
Based on the Kanban project management method, designed by Taiichi Ohno, this software allows you to move task cards. The cards allow you to see exactly where the project is in the process of development.
Once again, the free version allows only 10MB of space, until you share it with someone who joins – then you’ll be given 250 MB for a year. Or, you can pay for it. At only $5 a month or $45 a year, it’s a good deal.
3. Freedcamp
Revered as the best free software project management software program in its class, Freedcamp is an amazing project management option. You can get 200MB of storage free, or upgrade to the 1GB package for only $2.49 per month. It has a beautiful design and endless functions.
- Choose between tasks or Kanban.
- Unlimited projects.
- Unlimited users.
4. Basecamp
The most commonly used project management system for creative agencies, Basecamp offers a simple interface and task management system with great features, such as:
Message boards where users can discuss projects.
Ability to assign tasks to individuals or multiple users.
A chat function which allows you to communicate with team members.
Powerful reporting to better understand projects and the team’s capacity.
A separate screen for working with the client.
Basecamp for teams is $29 per month per team or $79 per month if you want Basecamp With Clients.
5. Workfront
This handy, customizable tool is ideal for agencies that manage projects by assigning tasks, setting priorities, keeping stakeholders abreast of developments, and manage projects. Workfront recently merged with ProofHQ, making it even easier for teams to streamline the process of reviewing and obtaining approval for creative projects.
Some of the handy features of this software, include:
- Marking teams as Agile, which allows work to be organized into points or stories.
- A backlog feature to help prioritize and organize creative requests.
- The ability to view team-wide resources to help improve workload management.
- Built-in paths for approval to speed up project completion processes.
Choosing the Right Project Management Tools for Your Needs
What works for us, may not make sense for you, as it depends on how your business is run. When you sit down to decide which option is right, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can the system grow with your business?
- Is it easy to use for all your team members?
- Does it offer sufficient customization?
- Does it have all the features you need?
At the end of the day, the project management tool must meet your goals for using it in the first place. Did we miss your favorite tool? Let us know in comments below.