5 Top (and free) Project Management Tools We Use With Clients

Before project management apps were invented, project management technology was mostly utilized by larger companies and by specific professionals trained to use that software. In the last 10 years or so, the rise of virtual teams brought the demand for cloud-based project management applications to the masses – and thankfully so, as they’ve become necessary tools in today’s digital world.

The project management apps of today are impressive tools that keep on evolving and their many features help increase productivity and meet deliverables. While an app cannot replace the role of a project manager – whose responsibilities may include organizing and planning projects, monitoring budgets, setting timelines, overseeing deliverables and communicating with team members and stakeholders – project management apps help break down project tasks so that they are more manageable and reduce inefficiencies.

At Northern Primrose, each of our clients has a different way of managing their projects. Whether they’re fully integrated with a specific project management tool or need help onboarding onto one, our skilled virtual assistants work within their client preferences accordingly.

Here are the top project management tools, with free account options, our clients like to use.

ClickUp’s motto is “Save one day every week” – a claim to the capability of their product, which is, in our experience, founded. They have a user-friendly customizable interface with real-time dashboards, a variety of layouts and templates to utilize and built-in calendar and reminders. It’s designed for team collaboration so that members can assign each other tasks, communicate with each other easily and can invite outside members into their digital workspace. They even have a built-in screen record option for those times when it’s easier to explain something visually. Recently, ClickUp announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology enhancing the productivity experience even further. ClickUp’s free plan comes with 100 MB storage, 24/7 support and unlimited free plan members – for your growing team.

Created by former Facebook engineering leads, Asana was born from the recognition that doing work was taking a backseat to coordinating work. Their powerful platform is built on the agile project management approach complete with kanban board options, adaptable workflows, customizable calendars, timelines and databases. Similar to ClickUp, Asana is designed for team collaboration so that project members can assign each other tasks, comment on tasks and can invite outside members into the workspace. Asana offers time tracking with integration with their free plan, which also includes unlimited file storage and up to 15 users to a free account.

In Monday, projects are managed through one central board that acts like a hub for a team’s workflow and tasks. Their free version is great for small teams that still need a strong customizable project management tool with an intuitive interface and easy-to-use templates. Monday includes several view options including the main table view, kanban view, timeline and a Gantt chart to view the progress of the project. The app even includes a brainstorming tool where you can mind map, add ideas, visuals and notes and organize after as needed. Monday’s free plan allows up to two members, three boards and unlimited docs.

Notion has a list of high-calibre clients, including Amazon, Pixar, Toyota, Nike, Uber, the list goes on. It’s a popular platform among corporate giants along with tech startups and solopreneurs who value its intuitive information management system with AI integration. Notion has a long list of templates for many fields and areas of work, such as human resources, marketing, sales, engineering, freelance, so you can work to your preferred layout related to your work. It allows users to create many different style of pages, including simple text documents, documents with images and video, embedded databases, calendars, kanban boards and timelines. Notion’s free version allows up to 10 guests.

Teamwork is an all-in-one project management tool that includes everything from popular project views like kanban boards and Gantt charts to an extensive list of integrations (over 350, including Google Drive and Slack) and even has time tracking capabilities, along with budgeting and invoicing. It’s a solid collaboration platform to stay organized and productive. Teamwork’s free plan is a little skimpier compared to its competitors – offering project management essentials for up to 5 users – but their starter price, which includes use of templates, automations and dashboards, starts at a fair price of $5.99 USD a month.

Thinking about onboarding to a project management tool or switching to a new one? Get in touch to see how a virtual executive assistant can help make the process seamless.