10 best consulting software for business owners in 2024
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the endless tasks in your consultancy business? Buried under emails, struggling with scheduling, and chasing invoices?
This chaos isn't just stressful; it's eating into your productivity and client relationships, putting your business growth at risk. I know this because it happened to me.
It wasn’t until I started leveraging more tools in my consulting arsenal. In this article, we’ll dive into the best consulting software tools designed to streamline your workflow and transform your business. Say goodbye to administrative chaos and hello to efficiency, giving you back the time to focus on what truly matters: your clients' success.
Best types of tools for consultants
Navigating the intricacies of consulting work demands robust management software tailored to the unique needs of professional services. Whether you're part of a small team or a large consulting firm, here are the essential software solutions that can elevate your consulting practice:
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software: The backbone of client interactions, CRM software helps consulting firms organize leads, track client communications, and streamline business processes, enhancing overall customer support.
- Accounting and invoicing software: This category of software solutions is indispensable for managing the financial health of your consultancy. From tracking billable hours to processing credit card payments via a mobile app, these tools ensure profitability through efficient invoicing and financial tracking.
- Project management software: To keep projects on target, project management software offers functionalities like Gantt charts, time tracking, and task coordination, crucial for managing multiple client engagements efficiently.
- Communication and client portal platforms: Essential for any consulting business, these platforms facilitate seamless internal and external communications, making sure that all team members are aligned and clients are kept in the loop.
- Document management and storage: In consulting, handling sensitive information is routine. Secure document management systems are necessary for organizing and storing critical documents safely.
- Marketing tools: For business growth, consultants need robust marketing tools. From social media management to email marketing software, these tools help in expanding your client base and reinforcing your market presence.
- Scheduling and time management apps: With these apps, consultants can efficiently manage their schedules, arrange client meetings, and optimize their work hours, all through a user-friendly mobile app.
- Data analysis and reporting software: Offering data-driven insights to clients requires sophisticated data analysis tools. These software options help in processing large data sets and presenting them in an easily digestible format.
- Online learning resources: Staying ahead in consulting means continuously updating your knowledge. Online resources provide the latest in industry trends and skills development.
- Security software: Protecting client data is paramount in consulting. High-quality security software, including antivirus and encryption tools, is essential to safeguard sensitive information.
By integrating these software solutions into your consulting business, you can streamline operations, enhance client relations, and ensure your consultancy's success in a competitive landscape. These tools are not just about managing your business; they're about transforming it into a more efficient, client-focused, and profitable enterprise.
10 best tools for consultants in 2024
Here are our top picks for the best consulting software:
Okay, let’s take a look at each tool.
1. QuickBooks
If you're on the hunt for a tool to streamline your consulting business's financial management, QuickBooks is one worth considering. It's not just popular; it’s powerful.
QuickBooks benefits
Why do consultants love QuickBooks? First off, its ease of use lets even those with no accounting background get started quickly. You'll be tracking income and expenses like a pro in no time.
The software also provides a comprehensive analysis of your financials to empower you with the knowledge necessary for sound decision-making. With real-time data at hand, spotting trends and identifying areas for improvement becomes effortless.
QuickBooks pricing
Pricing matters when choosing any tool, but luckily QuickBook’s plans are designed to fit various needs and budgets. From freelancers looking for basic features to large businesses needing advanced reporting tools — there's something here for everyone.
QuickBooks reviews
A quick glance at user reviews will tell you that people appreciate how Quickbooks simplifies complex tasks such as tax preparation or payroll processing while maintaining robust security measures. You don’t need to take my word for it though — have a look at these independent reviews.
2. Copilot
Creating a great client experience should be at the forefront of your business. This is where Copilot comes in. Copilot is the control center of your consulting business. It’s where you manage all of your client relationships and productize your consulting services.
With Copilot, you can create personalized client portals, automate onboarding and billing processes, and bring all your tools in one place.
Copilot benefits
This no-code client portal builder is packed full of features designed specifically for consultants. Some notable features include:
- Client messaging platform (with email notifications)
- Invoicing and creating subscriptions
- File storage and eSignatures
- Intake and survey forms
- Helpdesk for clients
- Onboarding automation + Zapier integration
No more juggling multiple platforms or losing track of client communications. Copilots' integrated system lets everything flow seamlessly together.
Copilot pricing
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: cost. The beauty of Copilot lies not only in its robust features but also its affordable pricing structure that suits businesses big and small alike. There’s a free 14-day trial. And after that, the starter plan will run you $39 per month ($29 per month billed annually).
Copilot reviews
If you're still unsure, just check out the reviews from other satisfied users to see how Copilot can help boost productivity and create better customer service experiences. From improved productivity to enhanced customer service experiences, many consultants swear by this tool as their secret weapon for success.
3. Proposify
Creating proposals for clients can be a challenging task when you first become self-employed. But with Proposify, this process becomes a breeze.
Proposify benefits
The first thing to note about Proposify is its user-friendly interface. It lets consultants design and send out stunning proposals in no time at all.
You'll also appreciate how it streamlines client interaction. Clients can sign off on your proposal right from their inbox. No more chasing down signatures or waiting for snail mail.
Some notable features include:
- Pre-designed proposal templates
- Integrations with Stripe, HubSpot, and more
- eSignature features to easily close deals
Proposify pricing
Affordability is another key aspect of Proposify's appeal. Its simple pricing structure means there's an option for every budget size.
Their core Team plan will run you $49 per user per month. This will give you access to everything you need. If you want to upgrade to their Business plan you’ll have to request a quote. That plan can unlock extra roles and permissions, security features, and dedicated support.
Proposify reviews
Users love the convenience and functionality of this software. The glowing reviews online speak volumes about its effectiveness in simplifying proposal creation for consultants everywhere. However, if you're looking for a platform that is more than just sending proposals, it might be worth looking into a Proposify alternative.
4. Stripe Invoicing
When it comes to billing, Stripe Invoicing is a game-changer for consultants. It streamlines the invoicing process, letting you focus more on your work and less on administrative tasks.
Stripe Invoicing benefits
This tool has some impressive features that make life easier. Firstly, Stripe allows for automatic invoice creation and delivery, saving precious time. Secondly, it accepts multiple payment methods from clients worldwide.
Besides its robust functionality, Stripe's secure platform ensures every transaction is safe. This gives both you and your clients peace of mind when handling payments.
Stripe Invoicing pricing
Rest assured that Stripe is budget-friendly. The basic plan starts at zero cost per month; yes, free. They only ask for a small percentage of each successful transaction made through their system. So basically — if you're not getting paid neither are they.
Stripe Invoicing reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 star rating (+8 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 star rating (+105 reviews)
The overall consensus among users? Pretty positive. Consultants appreciate how easy it makes collecting payments while still providing professional-looking invoices tailored to their brand style.
5. Webflow
If you're a consultant seeking to create a professional website, but lack coding skills, Webflow has got your back.
Webflow benefits
This nifty tool gives you the power to design, build, and launch responsive websites visually. So it's like building blocks for grown-ups.
Some notable Webflow features:
- Lots of consulting website templates and cloneables
- CMS for blogging
- No-code visual designer
- App integrations
You can play with layout options until you find what works best for your brand without having to deal with any code. And guess what? Your site will look amazing on every device.
Webflow pricing
The beauty of Webflow is that it doesn't break the bank. There are different plans tailored to meet diverse needs from basic hosting all the way up to business-level solutions.
No matter which plan you choose, rest assured there'll be no surprise costs at checkout time. Plus they offer student discounts — another reason why we love them so much.
Webflow reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 star rating (+525 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 star rating (+230 reviews)
I've personally used Webflow in my consulting work and I'm not alone in appreciating its user-friendly interface and powerful features — many users praise its flexibility and intuitive design tools as well.
6. ConvertKit
If you're a consultant looking to get your message out, ConvertKit might just be the tool for you. Let's dig into why.
ConvertKit benefits
This platform lets you streamline your email marketing efforts. But it does more than send emails – it helps build meaningful relationships with your clients.
Some notable features include:
- Email list growth features and services
- Visual email campaign automations
- Personalized templates and content features
The visual automation builder makes creating complex email sequences as easy as pie. And did I mention that all its forms and landing pages are customizable? That means no two consultants' outreach will look the same.
ConvertKit pricing
Affordability is key when running a consulting business, right? ConvertKit gets that. They offer different plans based on subscriber count so that you only pay for what you need. It starts free up until 1k subscribers — pretty neat if you ask me. After that, prices start at $29 per month.
ConvertKit reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 star rating (+191 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 star rating (+194 reviews)
You don't have to take my word alone on this — users rave about how ConvertKit has helped grow their businesses through targeted client communication and increased engagement rates.
7. Calendly
Managing your schedule can be a real headache for those in the consulting business. That's where Calendly steps in to lend a hand.
Calendly benefits
The beauty of Calendly lies in its simplicity. It takes away the back-and-forth emails and lets clients book appointments directly into your calendar.
You'll find more time on your hands because it automates tasks like sending meeting invites or follow-up reminders.
Calendly pricing
Budget-wise, Calendly won't break the bank either. They offer a free plan with basic features for starters and if you need more functionality, their paid plans start at just $12 per month.
Calendly reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 star rating (+2,041 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 star rating (+3,287 reviews)
User reviews rave about Calendly's ease of use and integration capabilities. But don't take my word for it. Give it a spin yourself to see how much smoother scheduling can get.
8. ClickUp
If you're looking to skyrocket your productivity, then ClickUp is the tool for you. But don't just take my word for it, let's dive into what makes ClickUp a top-tier consulting project management tool.
ClickUp benefits
This robust platform lets consultants manage tasks, docs, and goals in one place. It helps streamline workflows by reducing the need for multiple tools.
You can easily set priorities and deadlines to make sure no task falls through the cracks. Plus, its intuitive interface allows easy navigation even if you're new to project management tools.
ClickUp pricing
The best part? ClickUp offers a free version that comes with unlimited tasks and members. So before diving headfirst into paid plans starting at $10 per member/month, give their features a whirl without spending a dime.
ClickUp reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 star rating (+9,200 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 star rating (+3,950 reviews)
The proof of the pudding lies in eating. The rave reviews from users worldwide vouch for ClickUp’s efficiency as an all-in-one work suite.
Their G2 reviews alone highlight its role as a reliable ally in managing projects efficiently while saving time.
9. beehiiv
beehiiv is a modern newsletter platform that empowers consultants to connect with their audience through email marketing. This tool stands out in the consulting toolkit for its focus on building and managing an effective newsletter strategy, which is crucial for consultants looking to share insights, updates, and thought leadership content with their clients and prospects.
Beehiiv benefits
You'll find Beehiiv buzzing with features designed to enhance your email marketing. Some features include:
- Efficient newsletter management: Beehiiv allows consultants to easily create, schedule, and send newsletters, streamlining their email marketing efforts.
- Audience engagement: With advanced analytics, consultants can track engagement, helping them tailor content to the interests of their audience.
- Customizable templates: A variety of templates make it simple to create visually appealing newsletters that resonate with the consultant's brand identity.
- List segmentation: This feature enables consultants to segment their audience for targeted communication, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their email campaigns.
Just like bees work tirelessly for their hive, beehiiv works round the clock to ensure smooth sailing for your email processes.
beehiiv pricing
Affordability is another reason why many consultants are drawn towards beehiiv. But don't let its pricing fool you into thinking it lacks sophistication or depth. You get access to all the features you need on their free plan alone — truly honey-sweet.
beehiiv reviews
- G2: 5/5 star rating (+5 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 star rating (+3 reviews)
What do people think of this product? Well, they're abuzz with positive reviews. Users praise its ease of use and how it helps them manage projects more efficiently while maintaining clear communication channels with clients.
10. Asana
If you're a consultant juggling multiple projects, Asana could be your new best friend.
Asana benefits
The magic of Asana lies in its ability to let consultants track the progress of their projects from start to finish.
You can set priorities and deadlines, share details with clients or team members, and get updates on tasks right when they happen.
Asana pricing
This isn't just another tool that'll break the bank. Asana has a free plan that will be enough for more consultants just starting out. There are also paid plans starting as low as $10.99 per user/month (billed annually) — it's affordable for small businesses too.
Bigger teams might find value in premium plans offering more features like advanced integrations and priority support.
Asana reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 star rating (+9,533 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 star rating (+12,343 reviews)
No need to take my word for it, many users love Asana. They rave about how much easier project management has become since using this software.
Critics are few but some do wish for more customization options. But hey, no one’s perfect.
Conclusion
So, there you have it — your comprehensive guide through the vast ocean of business consulting software. You've discovered how accounting software like QuickBooks can effortlessly handle your financial needs and how Copilot stands as your reliable co-pilot, streamlining your day-to-day business management.
You're now equipped with knowledge about Proposify's effortless proposal creation, while Stripe Invoicing brings simplicity to your payment processes. And for those looking to craft stunning websites with ease, Webflow is your go-to tool, no coding required!
Embrace the power of automation and boost productivity with tools like ConvertKit, Calendly, ClickUp, beehiiv, and Asana. These solutions are not just about task management or keeping track of time; they're about enhancing team collaboration and transforming your Everest-sized to-do list into a manageable set of tasks.
Prepare to navigate smoother seas in your consultancy voyage. With the right business consulting software, you're not just staying afloat; you're set to sail towards success and efficiency. Remember, thriving in your business is all about choosing the software that aligns seamlessly with your business model and goals. Welcome to calmer waters and efficient days ahead!