Which is better for your agency?

If you run an SMMA, you know the chaos that comes with managing clients, tracking leads, and staying on top of campaigns. It's messy—unless you've got the right CRM. Picture this: You're juggling spreadsheets, losing leads in your inbox, and manually following up with prospects while trying to deliver results for existing clients. Sound familiar?

The right CRM can transform your agency from a one-person hustle into a scalable machine. But with so many options out there, which one actually works for SMMA owners who need real results, not just fancy features?

In this post, we'll break down the top 3 CRM tools specifically for SMMAs in 2025, what features matter most when you're managing multiple clients, and how to choose the system that'll actually grow with your agency. Let's dive in.

Top 3 CRM Tools for SMMAs in 2025

1. GoHighLevel (HighLevel)

GoHighLevel is the Swiss Army knife of CRM platforms, built specifically for marketing agencies. It's an all-in-one platform that combines CRM, funnel builder, email marketing, SMS, appointment booking, and white-label capabilities all under one roof. What sets it apart for SMMA owners is its comprehensive automation suite and the ability to white-label the entire platform for your clients.

Key Features:

• Lead tracking: Advanced pipeline management with customizable stages and automated lead scoring

• Pipeline management: Visual drag-and-drop pipeline builder with conversion tracking

• Automations: Sophisticated workflow builder with triggers, conditions, and actions

• Client onboarding: Automated onboarding sequences with forms, contracts, and payment processing

• Integrations: Native integrations with Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Stripe, Zapier, and 1000+ other tools

Pros:

• All-in-one solution eliminates need for multiple tools

• White-label capabilities let you resell to clients

• Robust automation workflows save hours of manual work

• Built-in funnel builder and landing page creator

• Excellent customer support and training resources

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve due to extensive features

• Higher price point compared to basic CRMs

• Can feel overwhelming for very small agencies

Best For: Scaling agencies that want to offer comprehensive solutions to clients and need advanced automation capabilities.

Try GoHighLevel with a free 14-day trial → CLICK

2. Systeme.io

Systeme.io positions itself as the "all-in-one business platform" with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It combines basic CRM functionality with email marketing, course creation, and funnel building. For SMMA owners just starting out, it offers essential features without the complexity of enterprise-level platforms.

Key Features:

• Lead tracking: Basic contact management with tags and segments

• Pipeline management: Simple deal tracking with customizable stages

• Automations: Email sequences and basic workflow automation

• Client onboarding: Contact forms and basic landing pages

• Integrations: Limited but covers essential tools like Stripe and Zapier

Pros:

• Very affordable pricing with generous free plan

• User-friendly interface that's easy to learn

• Good for agencies focusing primarily on email marketing

• Includes course creation tools for additional revenue streams

Cons:

• Limited advanced automation features

• Basic reporting and analytics

• No white-label options

• Fewer integrations compared to enterprise solutions

Best For: Solo SMMA owners and small teams on a tight budget who need basic CRM functionality.

3. HubSpot

HubSpot offers a robust CRM with strong inbound marketing features. It's particularly well-suited for agencies that focus on content marketing and lead nurturing. The free tier provides solid basic functionality, while paid plans unlock advanced features like custom reporting and advanced automation.

Key Features:

• Lead tracking: Comprehensive contact profiles with interaction history

• Pipeline management: Customizable deal stages with forecasting

• Automations: Workflow automation with lead scoring and nurturing sequences

• Client onboarding: Forms, landing pages, and email templates

• Integrations: Extensive marketplace with 1000+ integrations

Pros:

• Excellent free tier with core CRM features

• Strong reporting and analytics capabilities

• Great for content marketing and lead nurturing

• Extensive educational resources and certification programs

Cons:

• Can get expensive as you add features and contacts

• No white-label capabilities

• Some advanced features require highest-tier plans

• Learning curve for advanced automation features

Best For: Agencies focused on inbound marketing and lead nurturing who want strong analytics and reporting.

What to Look for in an SMMA CRM Tool

When choosing a CRM for your agency, these five factors will make or break your success:

1. White-Label Capabilities

If you want to offer CRM services to your clients or present a unified brand experience, white-labeling is crucial. This allows you to customize the platform with your branding and resell it as your own service, creating an additional revenue stream.

2. Automations & Integrations

Your CRM should seamlessly connect with Meta Business Manager, Google Ads, Stripe, and other tools you're already using. Look for native integrations rather than just Zapier connections—they're more reliable and faster.

3. Pipeline Tracking & Visual Dashboards

You need clear visibility into your sales process. Look for drag-and-drop pipeline builders, conversion tracking, and dashboards that show you exactly where leads are getting stuck.

4. Client Communication Tools

Built-in SMS, email marketing, and form builders save you from juggling multiple subscriptions. Your CRM should handle all client touchpoints from initial contact to project completion.

5. Team Management & Role Permissions

As you scale, you'll need to control who sees what. Look for granular permissions, team collaboration features, and client access portals.

Pro Tip: Always test-drive a CRM with a free trial before committing. Set up a real pipeline with actual leads to see how it handles your specific workflow. Most platforms offer 14-30 day trials—use the full time to really stress-test the system.

FAQ Section

Is GoHighLevel better than ClickFunnels for SMMA?

Yes, for most SMMA use cases. While ClickFunnels excels at funnel building, GoHighLevel offers comprehensive CRM features, automation, and white-labeling that ClickFunnels lacks. GoHighLevel is designed specifically for agencies, whereas ClickFunnels targets individual entrepreneurs and course creators.

Do I need a CRM if I only have 3-5 clients?

Absolutely. Even with a small client base, a CRM helps you track leads, automate follow-ups, and present a professional image. More importantly, having systems in place early makes scaling much easier when you're ready to grow.

Can I use AI or automations with my CRM?

Most modern CRMs offer automation features, and many are integrating AI capabilities. GoHighLevel, for example, includes advanced workflow automation and is adding AI features for content creation and lead scoring. Look for platforms that offer both current automation and a roadmap for AI integration.

Conclusion

The right CRM software can make or break your agency as it scales. While all three options have their merits, the choice ultimately comes down to your current needs and growth ambitions.

For most SMMA owners serious about scaling, GoHighLevel stands out as the clear winner. Its combination of comprehensive features, white-label capabilities, and agency-specific design makes it the most versatile platform available. Yes, there's a learning curve, but the ROI in terms of time saved and additional revenue streams makes it worthwhile.

Systeme.io works well for solo operators on a budget, while HubSpot excels for content-focused agencies. But if you want one platform that can handle everything from lead generation to client delivery and white-label reselling, GoHighLevel is hands-down the best choice.

Ready to transform your agency operations? Get your GoHighLevel 14-day free trial here → CLICK
and see why thousands of SMMA owners have made the switch.