TL;DR
- A good CRM for lead generation helps agencies track leads, automate follow-ups, and manage clients efficiently.
- Top CRMs for marketing agencies include:
- ClientJoy: All-in-one CRM for leads, proposals, invoicing, and payments.
- Pipedrive: Sales-focused CRM with visual pipelines and automation.
- Productive: Ideal for project-driven agencies needing budgeting and time tracking.
- Nimble: Best for relationship-focused agencies with social media integration.
- Apptivo: Highly customizable CRM with sales and invoicing tools.
- FreshDesk: CRM for agencies handling heavy client support and ticketing.
- Insightly: Combines CRM with project management for end-to-end client handling.
- Salesmate: Simple and affordable CRM with calling and sales automation.
- Close: Best for outbound sales teams with built-in calling and automation.
- ClickUp: All-in-one workflow tool with CRM capabilities.
- Key CRM Features to Look For: Automation, lead tracking, email integration, reporting, and scalability.
- ClientJoy is the best choice for agencies wanting a seamless, all-in-one, lead-to-payment workflow. 👉 Schedule a demo with ClientJoy today!
What Is an Agency-Focused CRM?
An agency-focused CRM is customer relationship management software built for marketing, design, and creative teams that manage multiple clients. Unlike generic CRMs, it streamlines lead generation, proposals, and client management in one place. It also offers automated follow-ups, pipeline tracking, and seamless invoicing—all designed to help agencies scale without having to juggle invoicing, proposals, spreadsheets, and pipeline tracking tools.
How to Choose the Best CRM for Lead Generation?
The best CRM for lead generation should make your work easier. So, what should you look for? Here are the must-have features:
Client & Contact Management
Easily store, organize, and update client details so you never lose track of important conversations and deals.
Lead Tracking & Sales Pipeline Management
Monitor where every lead is in your sales funnel and ensure no potential deal slips through the cracks.
Customizable Dashboards & Reports
Get real-time insights into your agency’s performance with data that actually makes sense for your business.
Integration with Marketing & Sales Tools
Connect your CRM with email, ad platforms, and other tools you already use for seamless marketing and sales efforts.
Automation for Follow-Ups & Workflows
Set up automated follow-ups, reminders, and workflows to keep leads engaged without lifting a finger.
Multi-Channel Communication (Email, SMS, Calls)
Engage leads across multiple platforms directly from your CRM—because not everyone checks their email.
Collaboration Features for Teams
Keep your team on the same page with shared notes, task assignments, and easy internal communication.
Customization & Scalability
Choose a CRM that grows with your agency, adapting to your needs as you scale.
Here is a review of the 10 best lead generation CRMs for agencies.
1. ClientJoy – The All-in-One CRM for Agencies
What ClientJoy Does
ClientJoy is more than just a CRM for lead generation; it’s a full business management suite. Designed for agencies and freelancers, it helps you track leads, automate follow-ups, and even handle invoicing, without switching between tools.
Key Features
- Lead Generation Forms: Capture and organize leads effortlessly.
- Email Sequences & 2-Way Sync: Automate follow-ups and keep emails in sync.
- E-Sign Documents: Close deals faster with built-in e-signature tools.
- Sales Pipeline Management: Track every deal from prospect to payment.
- Invoices & Payments: Accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, and more.
- Subscriptions & Recurring Billing: Perfect for retainer clients.
- Joy Assist (AI Email Writer): Write smarter, faster email responses.
Benefits of Using ClientJoy
- Faster Payments
Automated invoicing means no more chasing clients.
- Better Organization
Manage leads, proposals, and payments in one place.
- Time Savings
Automation of tasks so you can focus on growing your agency.
- Scalable Pricing
Start solo or upgrade as your team expands.
2. Productive
Productive is another CRM for marketing agencies that goes beyond lead tracking. It helps with budgeting, project management, and team collaboration, all in one place. While it’s packed with features, it might feel overwhelming for smaller teams just starting out.
Key Features
- Budgeting & Expense Management: Keep project finances in check.
- Project & Task Management: Organize work, deadlines, and team responsibilities.
- Docs & Reporting: Store important files and track performance.
- Time Tracking & Time Off Management: Log hours and manage leave seamlessly.
- HRIS Integrations & API Access: Sync with your HR tools for smoother operations.
Benefits of Using Productive
- Better financial oversight
- Streamlined team collaboration
- Scalability
- Data-driven decisions
Pricing
- Essential: $9/month (For small businesses and fast-moving teams)
- Professional: $24/month (For growing companies ready to scale)
- Ultimate: $32/month (For complex organizations needing advanced financial tracking)
Pros
✅Works for both small teams and large agencies with complex workflows.
✅Combines all agency needs in one platform.
✅Keeps projects and people management in sync.
Cons
🚫Moving from Essential to Professional comes with a big price hike.
🚫Only offers a trial with no free forever option.
3. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a CRM for lead generation built for sales-focused agencies. It’s simple, visual, and helps teams stay on top of every deal. This is it if you need a CRM that makes pipeline tracking effortless. However, features are limited.
Key Features
- Visual Sales Pipeline: Drag-and-drop deals through different sales stages.
- AI-Powered Sales Assistant: Get data-driven tips to improve conversions.
- Email & Call Tracking: Log all client interactions automatically.
- Automations & Workflow Builder: Save time with repetitive tasks.
- Custom Reports & Forecasting: Get insights into agency performance.
Benefits of Using Pipedrive
- Better lead management
- Time-saving automation
- Clear sales insights
- Scalable for teams
Pricing
- Essential: $14/month per seat (For simple sales processes)
- Advanced: $39/month per seat (Includes email automation)
- Professional: $49/month per seat (More customization & reporting)
- Power: $64/month per seat (For larger teams)
- Enterprise: $99/month per seat (Unlimited features & support)
Pros
✅The visual pipeline makes tracking leads a breeze.
✅Focused on deal management and closing.
✅Smart suggestions to improve performance.
Cons
🚫Not the best for email marketing or campaign management.
🚫Higher-tier plans get pricey
4. Nimble
Nimble is a CRM for lead generation that focuses on relationship-building. It gathers contact details, social media insights, and email history in one place, making it perfect for agencies that value personalized client interactions. However, it might fall short if you need deep sales automation or advanced reporting.
Key Features
- Unified Contact Management: Syncs with email, social media, and calendars.
- Nimble Prospector: Finds and enriches contact data from the web.
- Pipeline & Task Management: Organizes deals and to-dos in one place.
- Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace Integration: Works where you already do.
- Smart Social Listening: Tracks client activity and engagement.
Benefits of Using Nimble
- Stronger client relationships
- Time-saving contact enrichment
- Works inside email & browsers
- Great for small agencies
Pricing
- $24.90 per seat/month.
- 25,000 Contact Records
- 2 GB/Seat Storage
- Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace Integration
- Nimble Prospector
- 14-Day Free Trial
Pros
✅Easy social media & email integration
✅Affordable compared to other CRMs
✅Great for relationship-focused agencies
Cons
🚫Limited automation & reporting features
🚫Not ideal for complex sales pipelines
5. Apptivo
Apptivo is a CRM for lead generation that adapts to your agency’s needs. It offers customizable workflows, integrations, and automation to streamline sales, marketing, and client management. Ideal for agencies that love flexibility. But, with so many features, setup can feel overwhelming for some beginners.
Key Features
- Customizable Sales Pipeline: Tailor workflows to match your agency’s process.
- Quotes & Invoicing: Manage deals and payments in one place.
- Marketing Automation: Automate follow-ups and nurture leads.
- Integrations with 3rd-Party Services: Connect with tools you already use.
- Advanced Reporting & Dashboards: Get insights into agency performance.
Benefits of Using Apptivo
- Highly customizable
- All-in-one Solution
- Scales with your agency
- Great support
Pricing (Billed Monthly)
- Lite: $20/user (Basic CRM for small teams)
- Premium: $30/user (More automation and dashboards)
- Ultimate: $50/user (Best for large teams)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (For complex integrations)
Pros
✅Highly customizable with lots of features
✅Includes invoicing and payment management
✅Great 24/7 customer support
Cons
🚫Takes time to set up properly
🚫Can feel overwhelming for small agencies
🚫Some advanced features locked behind higher plans
6. FreshDesk
FreshDesk is not just a CRM for lead generation; it’s a help desk solution designed for agencies that handle client queries at scale. With ticketing, automation, and AI-powered insights, it keeps support teams organized.
Key Features
- Ticketing & Shared Inbox: Manage client requests from one place.
- AI-Powered Freddy Copilot: Automates replies and suggests responses.
- Multilingual Conversations: Communicate with clients in multiple languages.
- Customer Portal: Clients can track their requests easily.
- 5,000 Collaborators Included: Keep external stakeholders in the loop.
Benefits of Using FreshDesk
- Better client support
- Time-saving automation
- Scales with your agency
- Free plan available
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0 (Up to 2 agents)
- Pro + AI Copilot: $94/agent (Includes AI-powered automation)
- Enterprise: $95/agent (For advanced customer support teams)
Pros
✅AI-powered automation saves time
✅Great for agencies with heavy client interactions
✅Has a free plan for small teams
Cons
🚫Not focused on sales and marketing
🚫AI features can get expensive
🚫More suited for support teams than agencies
7. Insightly
Insightly is a CRM for marketing agencies that bridges sales and project management. It helps track leads, automate workflows, and manage post-sale projects. Perfect for agencies juggling multiple clients and tasks. However, it lacks deep marketing automation, and some features require higher-tier plans.
Key Features
- Lead & Contact Management: Organize and track prospects easily.
- Project Management: Manage post-sale tasks and client projects.
- Workflow Automation: Reduce manual work with custom workflows.
- Advanced Reporting: Gain insights with detailed analytics.
- Pre-Built Business Dashboards: Get a quick snapshot of performance.
Benefits of Using Insightly
- Combines sales & project management
- Smoother workflows
- Scalable for growing agencies
- Integrates with popular apps
Pricing
- Free 14-day trial available!
- Plus: $29/user (Lead & project management)
- Professional: $49/user (Workflow automation & custom layouts)
- Enterprise: $99/user (Advanced features like audit logging)
Pros
✅Great for agencies handling long-term projects
✅Strong automation for sales workflows
✅Integrates well with productivity tools
Cons
🚫Limited marketing automation features
🚫Higher-tier plans get expensive
🚫Project features may not suit all agencies
8. Salesmate
Salesmate is a CRM for lead generation built for sales-driven agencies. It simplifies contact management, deal tracking, and automation to speed up conversions. Ideal for teams that need an easy-to-use CRM without unnecessary complexity. However, its marketing tools are limited, and advanced features require higher-tier plans.
Key Features
- Contact & Deal Management: Keep track of prospects and sales stages.
- Email Integration: Syncs with Gmail, Outlook, and more.
- Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive sales tasks.
- Power Dialer: Make calls directly from the CRM.
- Advanced Reporting: Gain insights into sales performance.
Benefits of Using Salesmate
- Simplifies lead management
- Boosts sales productivity
- Affordable for small teams
- Integrates with popular apps
Pricing
- Basic: $23 (Essential CRM features)
- Pro: $39 (More automation & reporting)
- Business: $63 (Power dialer & advanced tools)
Pros
✅Easy to use with a clean interface
✅Affordable for startups and small agencies
✅Includes calling features with Power Dialer
Cons
🚫Limited marketing and email campaign tools
🚫Advanced automation only in higher plans
🚫Basic reporting in lower-tier plans
9. Close
Close is a sales-focused CRM for agencies that make calls or prioritize outreach. It combines calling, SMS, and email tracking in one platform, making follow-ups seamless. It is perfect for sales-driven teams that need automation. However, if you're looking for deep marketing features, you might need extra tools.
Key Features
- Two-Way Email Sync: Direct email sending and receiving in Close.
- Built-In Calling & SMS: Manage outreach without switching tools.
- Power & Predictive Dialer: Call leads faster with automation.
- AI-Powered Lead Summaries: Get quick insights on prospects.
- Custom Sales Workflows: Automate follow-ups and lead assignments.
Benefits of Using Close
- Speeds up sales calls
- Improves lead tracking
- Boosts productivity
- Great for outbound teams
Pricing
- Base: $29/user (Essential CRM features)
- Startup: $59/user (Automation & Power Dialer)
- Professional: $109/user (Advanced customization & AI tools)
- Enterprise: $149/user (Call coaching & predictive dialer)
Pros
✅Built-in calling, SMS, and email tracking
✅Great for agencies focused on sales outreach
✅Automates lead follow-ups and sequences
Cons
🚫Lacks in-depth marketing automation
🚫Higher plans get expensive
🚫Not ideal for agencies with long sales cycles
10. Clickup
ClickUp is a tool that replaces multiple apps with just one. It’s a CRM for marketing agencies that combines task management, collaboration, and client tracking in a single platform. Great for agencies juggling projects and sales. However, it lacks deep CRM-specific features, making it more of a workflow tool than a full-fledged CRM for lead generation.
Key Features
- Task & Project Management: Organize client work in one place.
- Collaborative Docs & Whiteboards: Work together in real-time.
- CRM & Sales Pipeline Tracking: Manage leads and deals visually.
- Time Tracking & Reporting: Keep projects on schedule.
- AI & Automations: Reduce manual work with smart workflows.
Benefits of Using ClickUp
- Replaces multiple apps
- Boosts productivity
- Scales with your agency
- Great free plan
Pricing
- Free Forever: $0 (Best for personal use)
- Unlimited: $10/user (Best for small teams)
- Business: $19/user (Best for mid-sized teams)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (For large agencies)
Pros
✅Combines CRM, project, and task management
✅Highly customizable with automations
✅Free forever plan for small teams
Cons
🚫Not a dedicated CRM, more of a workflow tool
🚫Can feel overwhelming with too many features
🚫Advanced CRM functions require workarounds
Summing Up…
The right CRM for lead generation should help agencies track leads, manage client relationships, and automate workflows. Whether you need built-in calling, advanced reporting, or seamless project management, there’s a tool for you. Look for features like automation, integrations, and scalability. Choose a CRM for marketing agencies that simplifies your workflow, not complicates it.
Get Started with ClientJoy
ClientJoy makes lead generation easy. Manage leads, send proposals, close deals, and get paid—all in one place. No switching between tools. Schedule a demo today!
Best CRMs for Lead Generation: FAQs
Which CRM is best for lead generation?
If you need automation and email tracking, try Close. ClickUp works well for project-driven teams. ClientJoy is a great all-in-one CRM for marketing agencies that seamlessly handles leads, proposals, and payments.
How do agencies generate leads?
Agencies generate leads through content marketing, paid ads, referrals, and networking. A CRM for marketing agencies helps streamline lead capture, follow-ups, and nurturing with automation, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks.
Can a CRM generate leads?
A CRM for lead generation doesn’t create leads from thin air, but it organizes and nurtures them. Features like web forms, automated follow-ups, and AI-driven insights help agencies attract and convert prospects more efficiently.
