Return to Best Project Management and Time Tracking Software
The Challenge for Small Businesses
Small businesses face unique challenges when managing projects and tracking time. Without the right project management app or management software, these challenges quickly become roadblocks to growth.
Missed Deadlines
For small businesses, a missed deadline isn’t just an inconvenience—it can mean lost clients and revenue. Take Sarah’s marketing agency, for example. Before implementing project management software, her five-person team missed client deadlines on 30% of projects, putting their reputation at risk.
Chaotic Workflows
When tasks are tracked across emails, spreadsheets, and sticky notes, things inevitably fall through the cracks. Local retailer Main Street Boutique struggled to coordinate inventory orders, marketing campaigns, and staff schedules, resulting in duplicate work and wasted resources.
Poor Resource Allocation
Without visibility into who’s doing what, small teams often end up with some members overworked while others have capacity. This leads to burnout, inefficiency, and missed opportunities to take on new projects that could drive growth.
Inaccurate Time Tracking
Manual time tracking is notoriously inaccurate. For service-based businesses that bill by the hour, this means either undercharging clients (losing money) or overcharging them (risking relationships). A local web development firm estimated they were losing $2,500 monthly due to inaccurate time tracking.
Scattered Client Information
When client details are separated from project information, follow-ups fall through the cracks. This disconnect makes it difficult to provide the personalized service that small businesses rely on to compete with larger companies.
Limited Scalability
As your business grows, managing more projects becomes exponentially more complex. Without scalable project management software, many small businesses hit a growth ceiling where they simply can’t take on more work without sacrificing quality.
Stop Struggling with Inefficient Workflows
Join thousands of small businesses that have transformed their project management with ClearCRM.
How ClearCRM Solves Your Project Management Challenges
ClearCRM isn’t just another project management tool—it’s an all-in-one platform combining task management, time tracking, project planning, kanban boards, Gantt charts, and management features to simplify your workflows.
Centralized Task Management
ClearCRM brings all your tasks, deadlines, and project information into one intuitive dashboard. No more jumping between tools or digging through email threads to find what you need.
- Drag-and-drop task boards that adapt to your workflow
- Automated task dependencies to prevent bottlenecks
- Custom project templates for recurring work
- Task prioritization to focus on what matters most
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Drag-and-drop task management boards (Kanban style).
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Automated task dependencies for smoother project planning.
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Custom templates for recurring projects.
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Prioritization and file attachments built into tasks.
- File attachments directly on tasks for easy reference
Built-in Time Tracking
Unlike other project management tools that require separate time tracking solutions, ClearCRM integrates time tracking directly into your workflow.
- One-click timers tied directly to tasks
- Automatic time tracking reports by project, client, or team member
- Billable vs. non-billable hour tracking
- Mobile time tracking for teams on the go
- Timesheet approvals with custom workflows
Seamless CRM Integration
ClearCRM bridges the gap between project management and customer relationship management, ensuring client information is always connected to project work.
- Client profiles linked directly to projects
- Automated client communications based on project milestones
- Client portal for transparent progress updates
- Contact history accessible within project views
- Custom fields to track client-specific requirements
Powerful Analytics
Make data-driven decisions with ClearCRM’s comprehensive project analytics and reporting tools.
- Real-time project status dashboards
- Resource utilization reports to optimize team workload
- Budget tracking with projected vs. actual comparisons
- Deadline performance metrics
- Custom report builder for specific business insights
Ready to Streamline Your Project Management?
ClearCRM combines project management, time tracking, and client management in one affordable solution.
Step-by-Step Use Case: How a Design Agency Fixed Their Workflow
See how Bright Ideas Design, a 10-person creative agency, transformed their project management process with ClearCRM.
The Challenge
- Missed Deadlines: Bright Ideas was missing 25% of client deadlines, putting their reputation at risk.
- Inefficient Task Delegation: Project managers spent 12+ hours weekly just assigning and following up on tasks.
- Time Tracking Chaos: Designers tracked time in spreadsheets, leading to billing discrepancies and lost revenue.
- Client Communication Gaps: Updates were inconsistent, resulting in frustrated clients and excessive status meetings.
The Implementation
- Day 1: Set up ClearCRM with custom project templates for website design, branding, and marketing campaigns.
- Week 1: Migrated all active projects and trained team on task scheduling and time tracking features.
- Week 2: Implemented automated client update workflows and customized project analytics dashboards.
- Week 3: Refined processes based on team feedback and set up resource forecasting for improved capacity planning.
The Results
- 30% Reduction in Missed Deadlines: Automated reminders and clear task dependencies improved on-time delivery.
- 15 Hours Saved Weekly: Project managers reclaimed time previously spent on administrative tasks.
- 18% Increase in Billable Hours: Accurate time tracking captured previously unbilled work.
- 40% Fewer Status Meetings: Client portal provided transparent updates, reducing the need for check-in calls.
- 3 New Clients Acquired: Improved capacity planning allowed the agency to take on more projects.
“Before ClearCRM, we were constantly putting out fires and apologizing to clients for delays. Now we’re proactive rather than reactive. Our team is less stressed, our clients are happier, and our profitability has increased significantly.”
See How ClearCRM Can Transform Your Workflow
Schedule a personalized demo tailored to your business needs.
Benefits That Deliver Real Results
ClearCRM doesn’t just organize your projects—it transforms how your business operates, delivering measurable improvements to your bottom line.
Save 20+ Hours Monthly
ClearCRM’s automation features eliminate time-consuming administrative tasks like manual updates, status reports, and follow-ups. Small businesses using ClearCRM report saving an average of 5 hours per team member each month—time that can be redirected to billable work and growth initiatives.
Reduce Project Delays by 40%
With clear task dependencies, automated reminders, and real-time progress tracking, ClearCRM helps teams stay on schedule. Businesses report a 40% average reduction in missed deadlines within the first three months of implementation, leading to improved client satisfaction and retention.
Increase Billable Time by 15%
ClearCRM’s integrated time tracking captures billable hours that often go unrecorded with manual methods. Service-based businesses report an average 15% increase in billable time—without working more hours—simply by accurately tracking the work they’re already doing.
Improve Team Collaboration
When everyone works from the same project management platform, miscommunications decrease and collaboration improves. Teams using ClearCRM report 35% fewer internal emails and messages, as project discussions happen directly within task contexts where they’re most relevant.
Scale Operations Without Added Costs
As your business grows, ClearCRM grows with you. The platform’s flexible structure allows you to manage more projects and larger teams without proportionally increasing administrative overhead. Small businesses using ClearCRM report being able to handle 30% more projects with the same team size.
Enhance Client Satisfaction
With transparent project updates, on-time delivery, and professional client communication, ClearCRM helps you provide an exceptional client experience. Businesses using the platform report a 25% increase in client retention and more referral business from satisfied customers.
Ready to See These Results in Your Business?
Join thousands of small businesses already transforming their operations with ClearCRM.
Why ClearCRM Is Better Than Competitors
With so many project management software options available, it’s important to choose the right solution for your small business. Here’s how ClearCRM compares to popular alternatives.
ClearCRM
- Integrated CRM + project management
- Built-in time tracking
- Client portal for transparent updates
- Unlimited projects on all plans
- Custom workflows and automations
- Comprehensive analytics dashboard
- Starting at $12/user/month
Trello
- Basic project management
- No native time tracking
- No client portal
- Limited to 10 boards on free plan
- Limited automation capabilities
- Basic reporting features
- Starting at $5/user/month
Asana
- Robust project management
- No native time tracking
- No client portal
- Unlimited projects
- Advanced workflow features
- Limited reporting on lower tiers
- Starting at $10.99/user/month
ClearCRM vs. Trello
While Trello offers an intuitive Kanban board interface, it lacks the integrated time tracking and CRM capabilities that small businesses need. Trello users often need to purchase additional tools for time tracking and client management, increasing both costs and complexity. ClearCRM provides these features in one unified platform at a comparable price point.
ClearCRM Advantages
- Built-in time tracking saves $10-15/user/month on separate tools
- Integrated CRM eliminates need for additional client management software
- More comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Unlimited projects and boards on all plans
ClearCRM vs. Asana
Asana is a powerful project management tool, but it comes with a steeper learning curve and higher price point for advanced features. Asana also lacks native time tracking and CRM functionality, requiring integrations with third-party tools. ClearCRM offers a more affordable, all-in-one solution specifically designed for small business needs.
ClearCRM Advantages
- More intuitive interface with shorter learning curve
- Native time tracking without additional integrations
- Client portal for transparent project updates
- More affordable pricing for comparable features
- Dedicated small business focus and support
“We tried three different project management tools before finding ClearCRM. It’s the only solution that combines the project management, time tracking, and client management features we need without requiring multiple subscriptions or complex integrations.”
| Feature | ClearCRM | Trello | Asana |
| Task Management | Advanced | Basic | Advanced |
| Time Tracking | Built-in | Via Integration | Via Integration |
| Client Management | Built-in | No | No |
| Client Portal | Yes | Limited | No |
| Project Templates | Unlimited | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Comprehensive | Basic | Advanced (Premium) |
| Automations | Unlimited | Limited | Limited |
| Starting Price | $12/user/month | $5/user/month | $10.99/user/month |
Experience the ClearCRM Difference
See why small businesses choose ClearCRM over other project management software options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to implement ClearCRM?
ClearCRM is designed for quick implementation with minimal disruption. Most small businesses are up and running within 1-2 days. Our guided setup process helps you import existing projects, customize workflows, and train your team. We also offer free onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition.
Can I integrate ClearCRM with other tools we’re using?
Yes! ClearCRM integrates with popular business tools including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, and many more. Our open API also allows for custom integrations if you have specific needs not covered by our standard integrations.
How does ClearCRM’s pricing work?
ClearCRM offers transparent, per-user pricing starting at /user/month (billed annually) or /user/month (billed monthly). All plans include unlimited projects, clients, and storage. There are no hidden fees or charges for additional features. Volume discounts are available for teams of 10+ users.
Is ClearCRM suitable for my industry?
ClearCRM is used by small businesses across diverse industries including marketing agencies, consulting firms, construction companies, IT services, legal practices, and more. Our flexible project templates and customizable workflows adapt to your specific industry requirements. Contact us to discuss your particular needs.
How secure is my business data in ClearCRM?
We take security seriously. ClearCRM uses bank-level encryption for all data, both in transit and at rest. We maintain SOC 2 compliance, regular security audits, and provide role-based access controls to ensure your sensitive business information remains protected. All data is backed up daily with disaster recovery protocols in place.
Transform Your Project Management Today
Stop losing time, clients, and revenue due to inefficient project management. ClearCRM provides small businesses with the tools they need to streamline workflows, track time accurately, and deliver exceptional client experiences—all in one affordable platform.
“ClearCRM has transformed how we manage projects. We’ve reduced administrative time by 30%, improved our on-time delivery rate to 95%, and our team is less stressed and more productive. It’s been a game-changer for our business.”
Ready to Transform Your Project Management?
Join thousands of small businesses already succeeding with ClearCRM.
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