Best CRM for Web Designers
An in-depth comparison of 22 client-portal options for web designers, weighing CRM vs portal vs hybrid solutions. Kitchen.co wins on budget, branding, and streamlined workflows, with Bonsai, Basecamp, CoordinateHQ, and Dubsado as notable alternatives, each offering distinct strengths. The guide covers pricing, features, pros/cons, and buying considerations to help designers reduce friction for clients and teams.
Ideal Customer Profile
Web designers and creatives running service-based businesses who need a client portal or integrated CRM to manage projects, clients, files, and communications with a branded experience.
Common Pain Points
- •Too many disjointed tools leading to fragmented client communications
- •Cumbersome file sharing and version control
- •Lack of native client feedback and approvals
- •High recurring costs and subscription fatigue
- •Crossover features causing budget and workflow confusion
Top CRM Picks
5 expert-vetted recommendations
Ranked recommendations based on feature depth, pricing transparency, and adoption within the industry.
Perfect For
Web designers and creatives who want a branded client portal and lightweight CRM features without ongoing subscriptions
⚡ Key Features
- Messages (chat and audio notes)
- File uploads and organized folders
- Feedback and approvals on files
- Task management with list/calendar/kanban views
- Embedded tools (Cal, Calendly, Google Docs, Figma)
- White-label branding
- Impersonation and client access without password
- Lockable files tied to payments
- Free and lifetime pricing options
Pros
- ✓No recurring fees; lifetime access
- ✓Full white-label customization
- ✓Client-friendly interface and onboarding
- ✓Strong file sharing and feedback workflows
- ✓Impersonation to test client view
Cons
- ✗Subtasks are basic; no nested tasks
- ✗Forms are very basic
- ✗No automations
- ✗Some template and template carryover issues
- ✗Embed compatibility depends on external tools
"Kitchen delivers a simple, branded client portal that reduces friction and feels like part of your own brand."
Perfect For
Freelancers needing an all-in-one CRM with integrated client portal and timesheets
⚡ Key Features
- Task management with nested subtasks
- Client portal with magic-link login
- Full CRM including contracts, invoices, time tracking
- Live chat/ messaging per project
- Public proposals and forms
- Automation options (limited vs Dubsado)
- Tax add-on for business taxes
Pros
- ✓Great task management within CRM
- ✓Solid client collaboration via portal
- ✓All-in-one CRM with multiple features
Cons
- ✗Automation and CRM features may not match Dubsado
- ✗Cost if using Bonsai with another CRM; feature crossover
"Bonsai's integrated task and client portal are strong, but cross-over with Dubsado makes it less ideal for my full stack."
Perfect For
Web designers needing straightforward project management, client communication, and file sharing
⚡ Key Features
- Focus mode and notification settings
- My Stuff overview
- Messaging and message boards
- File sharing with external links
- Event calendar and milestones
- Automatic check-ins
- Client-facing help docs
Pros
- ✓Strong focus management and notifications
- ✓Easy file sharing and messaging
- ✓Calendar view for milestones
Cons
- ✗Task management is basic; separate list vs kanban; lacks advanced features
- ✗Not a CRM; requires separate invoicing/contracts
- ✗Historical reputation concerns
"Basecamp is affordable and simple, but lacks robust task details and CRM features."
Perfect For
Design businesses needing a strong CRM with forms, contracts, invoicing and proposals
⚡ Key Features
- Contracts, invoices, payments
- CRM with automation and workflows
- Proposals and forms
- Project management and client communications
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class CRM features and automation
- ✓Robust overall platform
Cons
- ✗Portal and project task features are not as strong as dedicated portal tools
- ✗UI is dated
- ✗Higher learning curve
"Dubsado remains a strong CRM choice, but its portal and project features aren’t as polished as the core CRM."
Perfect For
Web designers wanting basic portal features with minimal client access cost
⚡ Key Features
- Task management
- Client messaging per project
- Forms (basic)
- Invite clients and contractors for free
- 30-day free trial
Pros
- ✓Reasonable feature set for portal
- ✓Low client cost (free access for clients)
Cons
- ✗Outdated UI
- ✗Subtasks basic without deep detail
- ✗Higher cost for limited features
"CoordinateHQ did the job but lacked visual polish and deeper features for its price."
Buying Guide
Step-by-step guide to finding your perfect CRM
Strategic considerations to shortlist the right CRM platform for your workflow, tech stack, and growth roadmap.
- 1
Prioritize lifetime or predictable pricing to avoid subscription creep.
- 2
Evaluate whether you need a true CRM, a client portal, or a hybrid; consider branding and client experience.
- 3
Assess task management depth, file-sharing, and feedback/approval workflows.
- 4
Consider integration with your existing CRM (if any) to minimize crossovers and costs.
FAQ
Common questions answered
Quick answers to common questions digital teams raise when evaluating CRM platforms.
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