Client Relationship Management vs. Project Management tools

What is a CRM or a PM tool?

These tools can either be a web app (something you access through web browsers only, no app download), a downloadable app/software. It tends to vary between companies. While there are definitely ways for product based businesses to use these tools, they tend to be most popular among service based businesses (designers, photographers, web designers, coaches, copywriters, etc.; people who provide a service to their client).

Customer Relationship Management = CRM

Sometimes also referred to as CM (Client Management) tools. These are apps like Dubsado, Honeybook, Basecamp, HeyDan, and more. They handle the “paperwork” end of your business/client relationships, and though each tool will vary in what they include, it’s typically things like: invoicing, accepting payments & payment plans, sending/signing contracts, sending forms, handling incoming leads, scheduling, emails, workflow/automations, client portals, email templates and more. I’ll elaborate on those things more in a minute.

Project Management = PM

These are tools/apps like Asana, Trello, ClickUp, AirTable, Zenkit, Quire, Monday and more. They allow you to handle the project itself, after or in between all the “paperwork” involved in managing the client. These apps allow you to assign tasks to the team or to the client, show everyone the tasks that need to be done & the due date for each, comments & attachments, calendar syncing, checklists, progress or goal tracking, and more.