Best Account Planning Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best account planning software:
The best account planning software helps you manage client relationships, track key deliverables, and align internal teams so you can reduce missed deadlines and prevent client churn.
When you’re managing multiple accounts across siloed tools, it’s easy to lose visibility into priorities, overlook critical action items, or duplicate work across teams. Without a central system, collaboration breaks down and strategic planning becomes reactive instead of proactive.
I’ve spent 10+ years leading account-based marketing initiatives and have logged over 500 hours evaluating account planning platforms. In this guide, I’ve selected tools that help you stay organized, drive client growth, and scale your team’s impact.
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Best Account Planning Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top account planning software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for enterprise planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for small businesses | Free trial available | From $65/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for sales teams | 14-day free trial | From $14/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for scalability | Free trial + demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for sales prospecting | Free 14-day trial + free plan + free demo available | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for revenue intelligence | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for sales performance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for financial planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for presentations | Free plan + free demo available | From €49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for analytics | Free trial + free demo available | From $5,000 (billed annually) | Website |
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Eloqua
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3 -
Optimizely
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Uberflip
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Best Account Planning Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best account planning software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Anaplan is an account planning software built for large enterprises to align strategies, data, and teams across the organization. It enables collaborative planning, forecasting, and execution to strengthen account and business performance.
Why I picked Anaplan: Anaplan provides scalable planning tools that support complex account strategies in real time. Teams can model scenarios, adjust plans quickly, and stay aligned across departments. Its advanced analytics deliver insights that improve forecasting and decision-making for strategic accounts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to create complex financial models, which helps in accurate forecasting and budgeting. The collaborative environment allows teams to work together seamlessly, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Real-time scenario planning provides flexibility to adjust strategies as needed.
Integrations include Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, Tableau, DocuSign, Slack, Google Workspace, and ServiceNow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports complex financial models
- Real-time scenario planning
- Scalable for large enterprises
Cons:
- May not suit small businesses
- Requires technical expertise
Maximizer is an account planning software built to help small businesses strengthen customer relationships and grow strategically. It provides customizable solutions that support collaboration and easy setup for teams.
Why I picked Maximizer: Maximizer helps small businesses organize account insights with AI-powered tools and detailed reporting. Its customizable features allow teams to tailor planning workflows to their needs. Mobile access keeps teams connected, making it easier to manage accounts anywhere.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered sales tools that help in lead generation and customer retention. The reporting and analytics features provide insights to make data-driven decisions. Mobile access keeps your team connected on the go, ensuring continuous collaboration.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Outlook, Gmail, Slack, Zapier, Shopify, WordPress, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports mobile access
- Excellent customer service
- Customizable for different industries
Cons:
- May not suit large enterprises
- Requires initial setup time
Pipedrive is an account planning software designed to help sales teams organize key accounts and streamline engagement. It provides tools for managing pipelines, automating workflows, and tracking communications to keep teams aligned.
Why I picked Pipedrive: Pipedrive supports account planning with its customizable pipelines and clear visibility into account progress. Teams can automate follow-ups and track interactions to stay on top of priorities. Its reporting tools provide insights that help refine strategies and strengthen account management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a visual sales pipeline that makes it easy to track deals at every stage. The sales automation feature helps you automate repetitive tasks, saving your team time. Detailed reporting provides insights into your sales performance, helping you make informed decisions.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Mailchimp, Trello, Asana, Zapier, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Xero, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Automates repetitive tasks
- Visual pipeline management
Cons:
- Not suited for complex sales
- May require initial training
Salesforce Sales Cloud is an account planning software that enables businesses of all sizes to manage customer relationships, sales processes, and account strategies in one platform. It offers a wide range of tools to support growth and streamline planning.
Why I picked Salesforce Sales Cloud: Salesforce Sales Cloud stands out for its scalability and flexibility, making it easy to adapt account planning workflows to business needs. Its analytics deliver insights into account performance and customer behavior. Automation features cut down manual tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic account growth.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable dashboards that offer real-time insights into sales metrics. The lead management feature helps track and prioritize leads effectively. Automation tools streamline repetitive tasks, freeing up your team's time for more strategic activities.
Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, LinkedIn, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, HubSpot, DocuSign, QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports strategic sales initiatives
- Strong analytics capabilities
- Highly scalable for growing businesses
Cons:
- May not suit very small teams
- Initial setup may be time-consuming
Apollo is an account planning software built for B2B sales teams. It supports structured planning by helping teams identify high-value accounts, map decision-makers, and coordinate outreach strategies across multiple channels.
Why I picked Apollo: Apollo stands out in account planning by combining its extensive B2B database with tools to organize and prioritize key accounts. Its Pipeline Builder helps teams structure engagement strategies and monitor progress with decision-makers. AI assistants simplify follow-ups and coordination, making it easier to scale strategic account management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a meeting scheduler that helps you plan and manage your sales calls efficiently. The call insights feature provides valuable feedback on your sales interactions. Automated follow-ups ensure that your team stays on top of every lead without manual effort.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, Slack, Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn, Mailchimp, and Marketo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports sales training
- Effective multichannel outreach
- Extensive contact database
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Limited customization options
Gong is an account planning software that helps sales teams capture and analyze customer interactions to guide strategic account decisions. It turns conversation data into actionable insights, supporting better alignment and execution.
Why I picked Gong: Gong enhances account planning by revealing trends and patterns across customer interactions. Teams can use these insights to refine engagement strategies and prioritize high-value accounts. Its focus on understanding customer needs makes it a strong tool for building more effective account plans.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include conversation analytics that help you understand customer interactions in detail. The platform offers deal intelligence, allowing you to track the progress of sales deals and identify at-risk opportunities. Coaching insights provide personalized feedback to your sales team, enhancing their skills and performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Outlook, LinkedIn, Zendesk, and Gong's own API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers personalized coaching
- Provides actionable insights
- In-depth conversation analytics
Cons:
- Not ideal for small teams
- May need ongoing training
Varicent is an account planning software that helps sales teams align incentives with strategic account goals. It provides tools to connect compensation structures with performance, ensuring teams stay motivated and focused on key accounts.
Why I picked Varicent: Varicent simplifies complex planning by linking incentive management to account strategies. Teams can customize plans to match business goals and track progress with analytics. These insights make it easier to improve performance and strengthen account outcomes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include incentive management that allows you to customize compensation plans to suit your team's objectives. The analytics tools offer insights into sales performance, helping you track and optimize outcomes. Scenario modeling helps you evaluate different compensation strategies to find the most effective approach.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, Workday, NetSuite, Slack, Google Workspace, LinkedIn, and DocuSign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides detailed analytics
- Supports complex compensation plans
- Flexible incentive management
Cons:
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Requires training and support
Pigment is an account planning software that helps businesses align financial insights with strategic account management. It equips teams with tools to forecast, plan, and track performance while fostering collaboration across departments.
Why I picked Pigment: Pigment supports account planning with real-time data updates that keep strategies accurate and timely. Teams can model different scenarios to refine account strategies and adjust quickly. Its collaborative workspace makes it easier for stakeholders to work together on cohesive account plans.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time data updates that keep your financial models accurate and up-to-date. The collaborative workspace allows your team to work together on financial plans, ensuring everyone is aligned. Scenario planning helps you simulate various financial situations, providing insights into potential outcomes.
Integrations include Salesforce, NetSuite, Workday, Slack, Google Sheets, Excel, QuickBooks, Xero, Microsoft Dynamics, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible financial modeling
- Collaborative workspace
- Supports scenario planning
Cons:
- Not suited for small businesses
- Learning curve for new user
Showell is an account planning software that helps sales teams organize and share key materials to support strategic accounts. It focuses on improving collaboration and ensuring teams have the right content for every stage of engagement.
Why I picked Showell: Showell makes account planning easier with customizable content libraries and offline access for seamless preparation. Teams can tailor materials to specific accounts and ensure alignment across stakeholders. Its analytics reveal how content is used, helping refine strategies and strengthen account engagement.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include offline access, allowing your team to present without internet connectivity. The custom branding feature ensures that your presentations align with your company's identity. Analytics provide insights into how your content is used and viewed, helping you optimize future presentations.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Google Drive, Salesforce, HubSpot, SharePoint, Box, OneDrive, Slack, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed analytics available
- Customizable content options
- Offline presentation access
Cons:
- Not suited for all industries
- Requires learning new workflows
Lative is an account planning software powered by AI that helps sales teams align strategy with execution. It leverages real-time data to create dynamic account plans, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Why I picked Lative: Lative provides real-time insights that keep account strategies current and actionable. Teams can optimize resource allocation and track progress against goals with ease. Its seamless integrations give quick access to revenue data, making it easier to improve accountability and execution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dynamic sales planning that adapts to real-time data changes. The platform offers insights into sales productivity and performance, helping you make informed decisions. It also allows for effective capacity planning, ensuring your resources are optimally used.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, Zoho CRM, Slack, Google Workspace, Outlook, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Improves capacity planning
- Real-time data integration
Cons:
- Dependent on data quality
- May require data integration setup
Other Account Planning Software
Here are some additional account planning software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- monday CRM
For project management
- Zoho CRM
For customizability
- EngageBay
For small business CRM
- HubSpot
For inbound marketing
- Forecastio
For predictive analytics
- AccountAim
For account-based marketing
Account Planning Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best account planning software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like improving collaboration and enhancing data accuracy. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage and organize accounts
- Track sales activities
- Collaborate with team members
- Forecast sales pipelines
- Analyze account performance
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced data analytics
- Customizable dashboards
- AI-driven insights
- Multi-language support
- Integration with third-party apps
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Accessibility across devices
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive templates
- Access to webinars
- Support from chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 customer service
- Live chat availability
- Response time to queries
- Availability of a knowledge base
- Personalized support options
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features offered at the price point
- Availability of free trials
- Scalability of pricing plans
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned benefits
- Frequently cited issues
- Feedback on feature updates
- Consistency across review platforms
How to Choose Account Planning Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? Consider if it can handle more users, accounts, and data without performance issues. Look for flexible user and data limits. |
| Integrations | Does it fit with your existing tools? Check if it supports key systems like CRM, email, and analytics. Lack of integrations can create data silos. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your needs? Evaluate if you can adjust workflows, fields, and dashboards to match your processes. Limited customization can hinder efficiency. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly? Assess if your team can navigate it without extensive training. Complex interfaces can slow adoption and productivity. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get started? Look for clear setup guides and support. Difficult onboarding can delay ROI and frustrate your team. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans, including hidden fees. Ensure it offers value for money relative to features and support. |
| Security safeguards | How secure is your data? Verify encryption standards, access controls, and compliance with regulations like GDPR. Weak security can risk data breaches. |
| Support availability | What help can you expect? Check for 24/7 support, response times, and available channels like chat or phone. Poor support can lead to unresolved issues. |
What Is Account Planning Software?
Account planning software are tools that help businesses manage and organize their accounts, track sales activities, and collaborate with team members. Sales teams, account managers, and marketing professionals typically use these tools to improve efficiency and enhance customer relationships. Features like account management, sales tracking, and collaboration tools help with organizing information, prioritizing tasks, and improving team communication. Overall, these tools provide value by helping businesses achieve better sales outcomes and stronger client relationships.
Features of Account Planning Software
When selecting account planning software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Account management: Organizes and tracks all account-related activities, helping teams maintain clear and updated records.
- Sales tracking: Monitors sales activities and progress, allowing teams to prioritize tasks and focus on closing deals.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitates communication and teamwork among team members, ensuring everyone stays aligned and informed.
- Customizable dashboards: Provides tailored views and insights into key metrics, enabling users to quickly access relevant information.
- Automation tools: Reduces manual work by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategic activities.
- Analytics and reporting: Offers insights into sales performance and customer behavior, helping teams make informed decisions.
- Scenario planning: Allows users to simulate different business scenarios, aiding in strategic planning and decision-making.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with existing tools and platforms, ensuring smooth data flow and reducing data silos.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive data with encryption and access controls, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Onboarding support: Provides resources like training videos and interactive guides to help users get started quickly and effectively.
Benefits of Account Planning Software
Implementing account planning software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved organization: Keeps all account information in one place, making it easy for your team to access and update records.
- Enhanced collaboration: Provides tools that help your team communicate effectively and stay on the same page.
- Increased efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing your team to focus on more strategic activities.
- Data-driven decisions: Offers analytics and reporting that provide insights into sales performance and customer behavior.
- Better strategic planning: Enables scenario planning to help your team anticipate and prepare for different business situations.
- Seamless integration: Connects with existing systems, ensuring a smooth flow of data across platforms.
- Stronger data security: Protects sensitive information with encryption and access controls, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Costs and Pricing of Account Planning Software
Selecting account planning software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in account planning software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Account Planning Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic account management, limited analytics, and basic collaboration tools. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced account tracking, custom dashboards, and email integration. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Enhanced automation, detailed reporting, and team collaboration features. |
| Enterprise Plan | $70-$150/user/month | Comprehensive analytics, full customization, and priority customer support. |
Account Planning Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about account planning software:
How does account planning differ from account management?
Account planning is strategic and focuses on long-term goals, while account management handles daily interactions and immediate client needs. Your team uses account planning to forecast and strategize, whereas account management ensures a positive client experience through ongoing support.
How to structure an account plan?
An account plan typically includes an overview of the client’s business, pain points, and key contacts. You should also set long-term objectives for both the client and your sales team. Action items should be laid out from the start to meet these objectives effectively.
What are the three pillars of account management?
The three pillars are managing expectations, nurturing relationships, and ensuring operational quality. These elements help your team maintain strong client relationships and deliver consistent value. By focusing on these pillars, you can enhance both client satisfaction and loyalty.
Why is customization important in account planning software?
Customization allows your team to tailor workflows, dashboards, and reports to fit specific business needs. This flexibility ensures that the software aligns with your processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Without it, your team might struggle to adapt the tool to real-world scenarios.
How do integrations enhance account planning software?
Integrations connect the software with other tools your team uses, like CRM or email platforms. This connectivity ensures smooth data flow and reduces the need for manual data entry. It also helps maintain consistency and accuracy across different systems, saving time and effort.
What should you look for in onboarding support?
Look for comprehensive resources like training videos, interactive tours, and webinars. These tools help your team get up to speed quickly and ensure a smooth transition to the new software. Effective onboarding minimizes downtime and accelerates your return on investment.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching account planning software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
