What are the best automation tools for agencies in 2026?

Best Automation Tools for Agencies in 2026

Agencies automate client onboarding, project delivery, reporting, and billing. Selection depends on agency size, client mix, and whether the agency builds automations for clients.

1. Make — Best Agency Workflow Builder

Make is the most popular automation platform among small-to-mid agencies. Visual canvas, fair pricing, and a strong template library make it the default for agency-built client workflows. From $10.59/month.

2. Zapier — Best for Client Setup Speed

Zapier's 9,000+ integrations and template library accelerate setting up new client automations in hours, not days. Strong fit for agencies running many small client deployments. From $29.99/month.

3. Airtable — Best for Client and Project Trackers

Airtable serves as a CRM, project tracker, and content calendar for agencies. Linked records connect clients to projects to deliverables. From $20/user/month.

4. ClickUp — Best Agency Project Management

ClickUp's built-in time tracking, docs, whiteboards, and goals make it the top agency PM platform under $15/user/month. Business plan $12/user/month covers most agency needs.

5. Pipedream — Best for Engineering-Heavy Agencies

Pipedream lets agencies that build custom integrations mix code with no-code, supporting JavaScript and Python steps inline. From $19/month.

6. HubSpot Operations Hub — Best for Client Onboarding and Reporting

Operations Hub automates client lifecycle workflows in HubSpot (handoff, onboarding, QBR scheduling). Plans from $50/month.

7. Notion — Best Wiki and SOP Hub

Notion stores agency SOPs, client wikis, and meeting notes. Cross-links to Airtable and ClickUp. Plus from $10/user/month.

How to Choose

Workflow building: Make. New client speed: Zapier. Trackers: Airtable. PM and time tracking: ClickUp. Custom code: Pipedream. Lifecycle and reporting: HubSpot. Knowledge base: Notion.