Tracking time is essential for marketing agencies that juggle multiple clients, campaigns, and creative projects. From billable hours to internal productivity, time management tools can make or break agency efficiency. Choosing the right agency timesheet software is no longer just about clocking in and out—it’s about enhancing visibility, improving billing accuracy, and boosting team performance.
In this article, we’ll explore what to look for in timesheet tools, compare the best options on the market, and help you determine the top software for your agency’s unique needs.
Why Marketing Agencies Need Specialized Timesheet Software
Marketing agencies operate in a dynamic environment with many moving parts—client deadlines, creative work, account management, reporting, and meetings. Generic timesheet tools may not provide the flexibility or integration needed for such a complex workflow.
Key Benefits of Timesheet Software for Agencies
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Accurate Billing: Automatically track billable vs non-billable hours for clients.
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Project Management Integration: Sync time tracking with project timelines and tasks.
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Performance Insights: Identify team bottlenecks or time-consuming clients.
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Client Transparency: Export detailed time reports for clients, improving trust.
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Remote Team Support: Track hours across distributed teams and freelancers.
Top Features to Look for in Agency Timesheet Software
Before diving into recommendations, it’s crucial to understand which features are non-negotiable for marketing agencies:
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Task and Project Tracking: Ability to allocate time to specific projects and tasks.
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Team Management Tools: View time logs by team, department, or individual.
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Billing & Invoicing: Automate client billing based on time tracked.
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Integrations: Connect with tools like Trello, Asana, Slack, Google Workspace, and CRMs.
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Reporting and Analytics: Generate visual reports for internal review or client delivery.
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Mobile Access: Track time on the go through mobile apps.
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User-Friendly Interface: A clean UI reduces friction and improves adoption.
Best Timesheet Software Options for Marketing Agencies
After researching top platforms, reviewing user feedback, and evaluating features, here are five of the best agency timesheet software options tailored to marketing agencies.
1. Harvest
Best for: Agencies needing strong invoicing and reporting.
Harvest is a veteran in the time tracking space, known for its intuitive interface and seamless integrations with tools like Basecamp, Trello, and QuickBooks.
Pros:
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Robust reporting and analytics.
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Supports team capacity planning.
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Automated invoice generation.
Cons:
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Limited advanced project management features.
Pricing: Starts at $12/user/month.
2. Toggl Track
Best for: Creative teams and freelancers in agencies.
Toggl Track combines simplicity with powerful tagging and project categorization. It’s ideal for teams who want quick time tracking with little setup.
Pros:
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Beautiful UI with minimal distractions.
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Powerful tagging for project-level insights.
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Offline and mobile tracking available.
Cons:
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Limited invoicing features compared to Harvest.
Pricing: Free tier available; premium from $10/user/month.
3. Clockify
Best for: Agencies on a budget with growing teams.
Clockify offers a generous free plan that includes unlimited users, making it a top choice for small-to-midsize agencies looking to scale.
Pros:
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Unlimited users on the free plan.
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Project and task tracking.
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Strong reporting features.
Cons:
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Interface can feel basic.
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Advanced features require paid upgrade.
Pricing: Free; paid plans start at $3.99/user/month.
4. Float
Best for: Resource planning and forecasting.
Float combines time tracking with powerful resource scheduling tools. It’s ideal for agencies that want to balance workloads and forecast capacity.
Pros:
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Visual drag-and-drop scheduling.
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Integrates with Asana and Slack.
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Forecast future workloads.
Cons:
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Not a traditional timesheet tool—more for planning than logging.
Pricing: $7.50/user/month.
5. ClickTime
Best for: Agencies that need compliance and detailed tracking.
ClickTime is designed for precision. It supports time audits, customizable workflows, and granular tracking—making it ideal for agencies dealing with strict client requirements or regulatory constraints.
Pros:
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Deep customization options.
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Strong audit and compliance support.
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Budget tracking by project.
Cons:
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Steeper learning curve.
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Outdated user interface.
Pricing: Starts at $12/user/month.
How to Choose the Right Timesheet Software for Your Agency
Choosing the right agency timesheet software comes down to your team’s size, workflow complexity, and integration needs. Here’s a quick breakdown to guide your decision:
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For small agencies: Clockify or Toggl Track offers great features at a low cost.
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For mid-sized teams: Harvest balances time tracking and invoicing with ease.
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For planning-focused agencies: Float helps you manage team capacity and workload.
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For compliance-heavy work: ClickTime provides auditing and custom workflow support.
Also, consider whether the software integrates with your CRM, project management tool, or communication platforms. The smoother the integration, the more likely your team will adopt it.
Final Thoughts
Time is one of the most valuable resources for marketing agencies. The right timesheet software doesn’t just help you track it—it helps you maximize it. By choosing a tool that aligns with your agency’s workflow, client demands, and team habits, you’ll gain better control over your operations and ultimately improve profitability.
Whether you’re billing hourly, offering retainers, or simply trying to improve team productivity, using reliable agency timesheet software is a smart investment in your agency’s long-term growth.
