Cost and value must be balanced to find the best outbound automation tool. As a project manager, you need something that makes your job easier and doesn’t cost a lot of money. But how can you tell if the features you’re paying for are the right ones and not the ones you really need?
That way, you can make a smart investment without spending too much. This blog will show you what the best outbound automation tool can do for project managers. We’ll break down the prices and point out the most important features to help you stay on track and make the most of your budget.
Find out what you should look for and how to get the most out of your projects by reading on.
Key Takeaways
- Automation Saves Time and Increases Efficiency: Outbound automation tools allow project managers to automate repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails and managing workflows, giving more time for high-priority tasks.
- Varied Pricing Options: The outbound automation tools range in cost, offering both affordable and premium solutions, with some starting at $9/month and others priced over $1,000/month, depending on the features and scale needed.
- CRM Integration is Key: Many of the top outbound automation tools seamlessly integrate with CRM systems, helping project managers streamline both client interactions and internal project tasks in one place.
- Real-Time Tracking and Analytics: These outbound automation tools provide valuable insights into project and sales performance, helping managers make data-driven decisions and adjust strategies as needed.
- Customizable Features to Fit Different Needs: Each outbound automation tool offers a range of customizable features, from email automation to AI-powered insights, making it easy for project managers to tailor the software to their specific project requirements.
What is Outbound Automation?
Outbound automation refers to the use of sales automation software and marketing tools to streamline and automate repetitive tasks involved in reaching out to prospects, nurturing leads, and closing deals.
It enables sales and marketing teams to efficiently handle outbound activities like email campaigns, follow-ups, cold calling, and lead generation using powerful automation platforms.
These tools are designed to take your sales process to the next level by saving time and increasing efficiency.
What Do Outbound Automation Tools Do for Project Managers?
Outbound automation tools are designed to help you automate repetitive tasks, making your life easier as a project manager. But what exactly do these tools do for you?
- Email Automation If you’re managing multiple projects or sales campaigns, manually sending follow-up emails is time-consuming. Automation software like HubSpot allows you to schedule emails, send reminders, and even trigger emails based on specific actions.
For example, if a sales rep misses a deadline, you can set up an automated reminder to notify them. This keeps communication consistent without needing constant manual intervention. - Workflow Automation Automating workflows helps you streamline your sales and project processes. You can set up automation features that delegate tasks based on project timelines, milestones, or priorities.
This reduces the risk of human error and helps you manage complex projects with ease. Whether you’re dealing with B2B sales or team coordination, tools like HubSpot Sales Hub or Asana ensure that tasks are completed on time without bottlenecks. - Tracking & Analytics Knowing where your project or sales process stands at any given time is crucial. Automation platforms provide real-time data on your sales outreach, email campaigns, or project tasks, helping you make data-driven decisions.
For example, tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator or HubSpot Sales give you insights into your lead generation efforts and track how your team is engaging with potential clients. These insights allow you to adjust your sales strategy as needed. - CRM Integration Most of the best sales automation tools integrate seamlessly with customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Tools like Pipedrive or HubSpot Sales Hub let you track client interactions, schedule follow-ups, and analyze customer data—all automatically.
This level of integration ensures you can efficiently manage both your sales funnel and project tasks without switching between multiple platforms. - Time Management One of the biggest advantages of using outbound automation tool is the time it saves. By automating lead generation, follow-ups, and task assignments, you’ll have more time to focus on high-level tasks like strategizing and optimizing team performance.
Best 9 Outbound Automation Tools for Project Managers
1. HubSpot Sales Hub
Source: HubSpot Sales Hub
If you’re looking for an all-in-one sales automation platform, HubSpot Sales Hub is a great tool to help streamline your sales and marketing workflows. It’s perfect for automating parts of the sales process, allowing you to focus on engaging with leads and customers.
This platform integrates seamlessly with your CRM and lets you automate repetitive tasks, giving you more time to strategize and achieve your sales goals.
- CRM integration for complete sales tracking
- AI-powered email automation
- Pipeline management with real-time insights
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $90/month
Transform your business into a revenue generating machine by creating delightful customer experiences.
2. ActiveCampaign
Source: ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is one of the best sales outbound automation tools if you want a balance between marketing automation and sales engagement.
With its powerful AI features, this platform allows you to automate your outbound and inbound sales tasks.
Whether it’s managing email marketing campaigns or tracking sales leads, ActiveCampaign ensures your team stays on track and achieves results.
- Advanced automation workflows for both sales and marketing
- Seamless integration with CRM systems
- Sales engagement tools for personalized outreach
- Starts at $15/month for starter plan
- Enterprise plan at $149/month
The email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM tools you need to create incredible customer experiences.
3. Pipedrive
Source: Pipedrive
Pipedrive is perfect for teams looking for a sales CRM with simple automation to streamline their sales process. It helps automate follow-ups, track leads, and manage your sales pipeline efficiently.
Pipedrive’s intuitive interface allows you to set up sales automation quickly, making it a must-have for project managers handling multiple clients or campaigns.
- Visual sales pipeline for clear task management
- Automation of follow-ups and sales tasks
- AI-powered sales assistant for lead generation
- Plans start at $14/month
- Professional plan available for $49/month
As you do activities and drive deals forward, Pipedrive monitors your performance like a coach.
4. Zoho CRM
Source: Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers a complete suite of tools to automate your sales and marketing processes. With Zoho, you can manage your sales pipeline, automate routine tasks, and even integrate LinkedIn automation for lead generation.
It’s a great option for small to mid-sized businesses that want a comprehensive automation solution without a hefty price tag.
- Workflow automation for sales and marketing
- Lead generation tools with LinkedIn integration
- Sales funnel tracking and reporting
- Free version available
- Paid plans start at $14/month
A unique and powerful suite of software to run your entire business, brought to you by a company with the long-term vision to transform the way you work.
5. Salesforce Pardot
Source: Salesforce Pardot
Salesforce Pardot is designed to help your sales team automate lead generation and sales tasks, making it easier for you to connect with potential customers.
This outbound automation tool combines marketing automation with powerful sales CRM capabilities, allowing for a seamless sales process from start to finish.
It’s perfect for B2B businesses looking for a comprehensive solution to manage their sales and marketing efforts.
Key Features:
- AI-powered lead scoring and nurturing
- Comprehensive sales and marketing automation
- Detailed reporting for better decision-making
Pricing:
- Starts at $1,250/month for Growth plan
- Advanced plans available for larger teams
6. Outreach
Source: Outreach
Outreach is one of the best sale outbound automation tools if you’re looking to automate your sales team’s outreach efforts. The platform helps you manage everything from cold calling to email follow-ups, allowing you to engage with leads more efficiently.
It’s a powerful automation tool that can streamline your sales process and ensure no lead falls through the cracks.
Key Features:
- AI-driven sales engagement tools
- Customizable workflows for cold calling and follow-ups
- Real-time analytics to measure campaign performance
Pricing:
- Pricing is available upon request
7. Mailchimp
Source: Mailchimp
Mailchimp is not just for email marketing—it’s a marketing platform with robust automation features that can help inbound marketing campaigns succeed.
If you’re managing multiple marketing campaigns and need to automate follow-ups and engagement, Mailchimp’s easy-to-use platform makes it simple. It’s a great choice for project managers who want marketing automation without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Email marketing automation for campaigns
- Customizable workflows for different marketing strategies
- Comprehensive analytics to track engagement
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $10/month
8. Sendinblue (Now Brevo)
Source: Sendinblue
If you’re looking for an affordable way to automate both email marketing and sales tasks, Sendinblue is a great option.
This platform combines marketing automation with customer relationship management, giving you the ability to automate lead generation and streamline your sales outreach.
It’s particularly useful for small teams looking to boost their marketing campaigns and sales funnel management.
Key Features:
- Email and SMS automation
- AI-powered sales engagement tools
- Marketing campaign tracking and reporting
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $9/month
9. LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Source: LinkedIn Sales Navigator
LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a LinkedIn automation tool designed to help your sales team connect with the right leads. It allows users to access
LinkedIn’s vast network for lead generation and streamlining sales engagement efforts. If you’re focused on B2B sales, this is a must-have tool for outbound sales automation that ensures you reach the right decision-makers.
Key Features:
- Advanced search and lead recommendations
- Real-time lead insights and engagement tracking
- Integration with CRM and other automation platforms
Pricing:
- Plans start at $99.99/month
How to Choose the Best Outbound Automation Tool for Your Project
Choosing the right sales automation tool can be challenging with so many options on the market. However, selecting the best tool will help you streamline your sales and project workflows efficiently. Here’s how you can choose the right one for your team:
Assess Your Team’s Needs
The first step is understanding what your team needs. Are you focused more on sales outreach, project management, or both? If your team requires both, tools like HubSpot Sales Hub or Salesforce Pardot can automate your outbound sales process while managing your internal tasks.
For teams that are focused on lead generation, using a LinkedIn automation tool or a tool like Sales Navigator is ideal for finding and connecting with potential leads.
Compare Features
Not all tools are created equal. Some focus heavily on marketing automation, while others are designed for project management. Tools like Mailchimp focus on email marketing, while Pipedrive is great for sales pipeline management.
When looking at these tools, you’ll want to compare their automation features, CRM integrations, and sales engagement capabilities.
A comprehensive sales engagement platform like HubSpot Sales Hub might be a better fit if you need a tool that covers multiple aspects of your sales funnel.
Budget Considerations
Price is always an important factor. Many tools offer a free trial or a free plan, but these often come with limited features. For instance, HubSpot offers a free version of its CRM but has more advanced features at higher pricing tiers.
Other tools on this list, like Zoho CRM, offer budget-friendly plans that still include robust automation capabilities. Consider your budget and which tool provides the best return on investment for your sales and marketing goals.
Scalability
As your team grows, so should the capabilities of your automation tool. You’ll want a solution that can scale with your business, like ActiveCampaign or HubSpot, which offer different pricing tiers based on your team’s size and needs. These tools provide features that evolve as your sales process and project demands grow.
Case Study: How Project Managers Have Successfully Used Outbound Automation Tools
Let’s look at a real-world example to see how a sales automation tool can make a difference in project management and sales outreach.
Imagine you’re managing a B2B project for a client, and you need to streamline communications between the sales team, marketing, and stakeholders. Traditionally, you’d be manually sending emails, checking in on tasks, and tracking the sales funnel.
However, by using a tool like HubSpot Sales Hub, you automate these processes. Here’s how it works:
- Email Automation: Your sales team no longer needs to manually send follow-up emails. HubSpot’s automation feature handles it. The tool sends reminders to potential leads and team members based on specific triggers, like missed deadlines or new leads entering the sales funnel.
- Sales Engagement: The sales rep can easily manage communications with leads by using LinkedIn automation. HubSpot’s integration with LinkedIn Sales Navigator helps them track interactions with potential clients and automate sales outreach.
- Project Management: Meanwhile, as a project manager, you can set up automated workflows that assign tasks based on project timelines, helping your team meet deadlines without constant micromanagement.
As a result, the team saw improved performance, better communication, and higher client satisfaction. The sales team hit their sales goals faster, and the automated workflow reduced bottlenecks in task assignments.
This is how a good sales automation solution can turn complex projects into smooth-running operations.
Final Thoughts
Outbound automation tools can make your job as a project manager easier by automating tasks, streamlining communication, and boosting productivity. While prices differ, these tools are a great investment that can save time and improve your workflow. Choosing the right tool can bring real value to your team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Outbound Automation Tools Help With Project Timelines?
Yes, these tools can send reminders, follow-up emails, and updates to clients or team members, helping project managers keep timelines on track without manual intervention.
Do Outbound Automation Tools Integrate With Other Project Management Software?
Most outbound automation tools integrate with popular project management platforms like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to streamline project and communication workflows.
Is There A Free Version Of Outbound Automation Tools?
Some tools offer free versions with limited features or trial periods, but full access to advanced features typically requires a paid subscription.
How Do Outbound Automation Tools Improve Project Management Efficiency?
By automating repetitive tasks such as sending updates, follow-ups, and scheduling communications, project managers can focus on higher-value tasks, improving overall efficiency.
Are Outbound Automation Tools Suitable For Small Teams?
Yes, outbound automation tools often have scalable pricing models that make them affordable for small teams, helping them manage outbound communications effectively without needing large-scale resources.
