Best Marketing Performance Management Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best marketing performance management software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Marketing performance management software is essential for businesses aiming to align their campaigns with business goals. With the right tools, teams can track, analyze, and optimize marketing efforts, gaining clear insights into what works and what needs improvement.
Using my experience with marketing tools, I tested and reviewed several of the top marketing performance management software solutions. From there, I compiled these findings into detailed reviews to help you choose the best software for your team's needs.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing marketing software since 2022. As marketing managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different marketing use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.
Best Marketing Performance Management Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top marketing performance management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Anaplan Anaplan supports finance, sales, and supply chain with planning and data tools. | Best for enterprise scalability | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
2 | BigQuery BigQuery enables fast SQL queries and real-time analytics. | Best for handling large datasets | Free trial + free plan available | From $0.01/200 MiB | Website |
3 | Fathom Fathom creates insightful reports and visualizes financial data. | Best for financial forecasting | 14-day free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website |
4 | Planful Planful offers tools for financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting. | Best for finance integration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
5 | Databox Databox enables custom dashboards for real-time monitoring of key metrics. | Best for customizable dashboards | Free demo available | From $47/month (5 users, billed annually) | Website |
6 | Power BI Power BI creates interactive reports and dashboards for improved decision-making. | Best for data visualization | 60 days free trial | Pricing upon request. | Website |
7 | Varicent Varicent provides tools for incentive compensation and sales performance analytics. | Best for sales and marketing alignment | Free demo available | From $0.10/month | Website |
8 | MarketingCloudFX MarketingCloudFX provides tools to track and optimize efforts across channels. | Best for AI-driven insights | Free proposal available | From $100/month | Website |
9 | Adinton Adinton track and improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. | Best for conversion optimization | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
10 | Matomo Matomo provides analytics to analyze user behavior on websites. | Best for data privacy compliance | 21-day free trial available | Plans start at $21/month | Website |
Best Marketing Performance Management Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best marketing performance management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth 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 a marketing performance management tool built for large enterprises. It supports teams in finance, sales, and supply chain with connected planning and data management.
Why I picked Anaplan: Anaplan’s powerful cloud-based platform enables real-time data integration, scenario modeling, and collaboration across large organizations. Its flexibility in handling complex business processes and vast datasets ensures it can scale seamlessly with growing enterprise needs. Additionally, its strong architecture supports multi-dimensional planning and analytics, making it ideal for dynamic, large-scale environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include connected planning that links various business functions, predictive insights that analyze data for future trends, and data management that handles large datasets efficiently.
Integrations include Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, NetSuite, ServiceNow, Tableau, Google Analytics, and Amazon Web Services.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for large enterprises
- Predictive analytics capabilities
- Extensive training resources
Cons:
- Complex implementation process
- Steep learning curve
BigQuery is a cloud-based data warehouse designed for data analysts and engineers who work with large datasets. It enables fast SQL queries and real-time analytics.
Why I picked BigQuery: BigQuery helps your team handle large datasets and analyze big data efficiently. Its serverless setup lets you focus on analyzing data without worrying about managing infrastructure. With real-time analytics, you can also get insights fast, making it a good fit for businesses with growing data needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time analytics that allow your team to make data-driven decisions quickly. The platform supports SQL queries, making it accessible to users familiar with SQL. Additionally, BigQuery offers machine learning capabilities, enabling your team to build and deploy models directly within the platform.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Sheets, Google Data Studio, Firebase, Tableau, Looker, Qlik, Informatica, and Talend.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scales effortlessly with data growth
- Supports machine learning directly
- Real-time analytics available
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- May need additional tools for analysis
Fathom is a financial analysis and forecasting tool designed for accountants and business advisors. It helps users create insightful reports and visualize financial data.
Why I picked Fathom: Fathom helps your team with financial forecasting by analyzing data and creating projections. You can use its customizable dashboards to track key performance indicators and its scenario planning tools to explore different financial outcomes. Additionally, its visual reporting features simplify complex data, making it accessible for decision-makers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable reporting that lets you tailor financial reports to your needs. The platform offers KPI monitoring to ensure your team tracks essential metrics. Plus, it provides benchmarking features to compare your performance with industry standards.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks Online, MYOB, Excel, Google Sheets, Sage, Reckon, KashFlow, FreeAgent, and Zoho Books.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent for financial forecasting
- Customizable financial reports
- Scenario planning tools
Cons:
- Limited to financial data
- Can be complex for beginners
Planful is a marketing performance management tool designed for finance teams and businesses focused on budget alignment. It provides tools for financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
Why I picked Planful: Planful connects your financial processes with marketing, making it easier to align budgets with goals. You can use its real-time financial reporting to make decisions faster and plan for different budget scenarios to stay ahead of shifts. Overall, this software is a solid choice for finance-focused marketing teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated financial reporting that saves you time and reduces errors. The platform offers scenario planning, which helps your team prepare for different financial outcomes. You also get access to budgeting tools that integrate directly with your financial data.
Integrations include NetSuite, Salesforce, SAP, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Workday, Adaptive Insights, and BlackLine.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time financial updates
- Flexible budgeting tools
- Scenario planning capabilities
Cons:
- Requires financial expertise
- Limited customization options
Databox is a business analytics platform primarily used by marketers and analysts to track performance metrics. It allows users to create custom dashboards to monitor key metrics in real-time.
Why I picked Databox: Databox gives your team customizable dashboards so you can tailor views to your needs. It offers pre-built templates to help you get started quickly and lets you pull data from multiple sources into one view. This flexibility makes it easier for your team to see the bigger picture and make decisions faster.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time data tracking that keeps your team updated on key metrics. The platform provides goal-setting tools to help align your team's efforts with business objectives. Additionally, it offers alerts and notifications to ensure you never miss important changes in your data.
Integrations include Google Analytics, HubSpot, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Shopify, Stripe, Slack, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboards
- Real-time data visibility
- Supports multiple data sources
Cons:
- May require technical setup
- Limited advanced analytics
Power BI is a business analytics tool that helps you visualize data and share insights within your organization. It lets you create interactive reports and dashboards to support better decision-making.
Why I picked Power BI: Power BI helps your team turn complex data into clear, interactive dashboards. You can connect it to multiple data sources to get a full view of your business metrics. Plus, the software’s wide range of interactive, customizable visual tools help transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insights, enhancing its usability for both technical and non-technical users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive dashboards that let you visualize data in real time. The platform supports natural language queries, allowing your team to ask questions and get instant insights. Additionally, it offers data modeling tools to structure and analyze your data effectively.
Integrations include Excel, SharePoint, Azure, SQL Server, Salesforce, Google Analytics, Dynamics 365, Adobe Analytics, OneDrive, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Connects to multiple data sources
- Supports natural language queries
- Comprehensive data modeling tools
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up
- Requires technical data skills
Varicent is performance management software that helps align sales and marketing efforts. It supports businesses of all sizes with tools for incentive compensation management and sales performance analytics.
Why I picked Varicent: Varicent offers advanced incentive compensation management tools that drive collaborative goal-setting and performance tracking across teams. Its analytics capabilities provide real-time insights into sales and marketing metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved ROI. The platform’s flexibility also supports dynamic strategy adjustments, ensuring both teams stay aligned and effective.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include incentive compensation management that helps motivate your team by accurately tracking and rewarding performance. The platform also provides sales forecasting tools to help you predict future sales trends.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, IBM, Workday, NetSuite, ADP, QuickBooks, and Tableau.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports incentive compensation
- Detailed reporting options
- Helps forecast sales trends
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Resource-intensive implementation
MarketingCloudFX is a marketing automation platform that helps businesses improve their strategies using data-driven insights. It offers tools to track and optimize marketing efforts across different channels.
Why I picked MarketingCloudFX: MarketingCloudFX uses AI-driven insights to help your team make smarter marketing decisions. It analyzes data to spot trends and opportunities, so you can optimize your campaigns. The platform also has tools for lead tracking and nurturing, making it easier to turn prospects into customers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include lead tracking that allows you to monitor and nurture potential customers effectively. The platform offers campaign optimization tools to ensure your marketing efforts yield the best results. Additionally, it provides detailed analytics to help your team understand performance metrics and make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Marketo, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Microsoft Dynamics, and LinkedIn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-driven marketing insights
- Comprehensive lead tracking
- Supports campaign optimization
Cons:
- Requires marketing expertise
- Complex setup process
Adinton is a marketing performance management tool aimed at businesses looking to optimize their conversion rates. It offers features that help track and improve marketing campaign effectiveness.
Why I picked Adinton: Adinton focuses on conversion optimization, helping your team improve marketing ROI. It tracks user behavior to pinpoint where conversions can get better and gives you detailed analytics to understand customer interactions. Plus, the software’s AI-driven insights optimize ad spend, while its dynamic analytics ensure campaigns are continuously refined to improve conversion rates.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time analytics that provide instant insights into campaign performance. The platform offers A/B testing capabilities to help you determine what works best for your audience. Additionally, Adinton provides bid management features that optimize your advertising spend.
Integrations include Google Analytics, HubSpot, Salesforce, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Bing Ads, Mailchimp, Shopify, WordPress, and Magento.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports A/B testing
- Bid management features
- Tracks user behavior effectively
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Steep learning curve
Matomo is an open-source web analytics platform favored by businesses and organizations prioritizing data privacy. It provides detailed analytics to help you understand user behavior on your website.
Why I picked Matomo: Matomo helps your team stay compliant with data privacy rules by letting you store data on your own servers. You’ll have full control over your data and access to features like customizable dashboards and detailed visitor profiles. Additionally, Matomo eliminates third-party tracking, enhancing transparency and privacy, making it a solid choice for teams that prioritize privacy.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include heatmaps that provide visual insights into user interactions. The platform offers session recordings, so you can see user behavior in detail. Additionally, it has a comprehensive tag manager to help your team manage marketing tags easily.
Integrations include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Typo3, OpenCart, and Piwik PRO.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Full control over data storage
- Detailed visitor profiles
- Customizable dashboards
Cons:
- Requires technical setup
- Limited out-of-the-box features
Other Marketing Performance Management Software
Here are some additional marketing performance management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Ruler
For multi-channel attribution
- Proof
For predictive analytics
- Google Analytics
For website traffic analysis
- Buffer
For social media scheduling
- Salesforce Marketing
For CRM integration
- LinkedIn Marketing Solutions
For B2B targeting
Marketing Performance Management Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best marketing performance management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like aligning marketing goals with business objectives and handling large datasets. 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:
- Track marketing performance metrics
- Analyze campaign effectiveness
- Manage marketing budgets
- Generate performance reports
- Integrate with existing marketing tools
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Predictive analytics capabilities
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced attribution modeling
- Real-time data syncing
- AI-driven insights
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Speed of performing tasks
- Customizability of features
- Learning curve for new users
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Supportive chatbots
- Webinars and tutorials
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Response time to inquiries
- Access to a comprehensive knowledge base
- Availability of phone support
- Quality of support documentation
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 each pricing tier
- Transparency of pricing
- Flexibility of subscription plans
- Return on investment potential
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 praised features
- Reported issues or drawbacks
- Frequency of software updates
- Customer retention rates
How To Choose Marketing Performance Management 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 | Ensure the software can grow with your team’s needs, handling more campaigns and data. |
Integrations | Check if it connects with your existing tools like CRM, email marketing, and analytics |
Customizability | Look for options to tailor dashboards and reports to fit your team's workflows |
Ease of Use | Software should have an intuitive interface that your team can quickly understand. |
Budget | Confirm the software fits your financial limits without hidden fees. |
Security Safeguards | Make sure there are strong data protection measures, especially if handling sensitive data. |
Support | Evaluate available customer support options, like chat or phone, for quick assistance. |
Reporting | Look for detailed reporting features to visualize performance metrics effectively. |
Trends In Marketing Performance Management Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different marketing performance management software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Driven Analytics: More tools are using AI to provide deeper insights into marketing performance. This helps businesses predict trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Customizable Reporting: Users want to create reports that match their specific needs. This trend is growing as businesses demand more tailored insights.
- Real-Time Data Access: Businesses are increasingly looking for real-time data to make quick decisions. This is becoming a staple feature as it allows for immediate adjustments to marketing strategies.
- Cross-Channel Performance Tracking: As marketing strategies become more integrated, tracking performance across multiple channels is vital. Now, vendors are focusing on providing a unified view of marketing efforts.
- Focus on Data Privacy: With growing concerns around data privacy, software providers are enhancing features to ensure compliance. This trend is vital for businesses handling sensitive information.
What Is Marketing Performance Management Software?
Marketing performance management software helps track, analyze, and optimize marketing efforts. It’s used by marketing teams to measure campaign effectiveness and align marketing with business goals.
These tools generally come with key features like AI-driven analytics, customizable reports, and real-time data access to help support informed decision-making and strategy improvement. Overall, marketing performance management software provides insights that boost marketing efforts and support business growth.
Features of Marketing Performance Management Software
When selecting marketing performance management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- AI-Driven Analytics: Provides deeper insights into data, helping predict trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Customizable Reporting: Allows users to tailor reports to their specific needs, offering more relevant insights.
- Real-Time Data Access: Enables quick decision-making by providing up-to-date information on marketing performance.
- Cross-Channel Performance Tracking: Offers a unified view of marketing efforts across various channels, improving strategy alignment.
- Data Privacy Compliance: Ensures that sensitive information is handled securely and meets privacy regulations.
- Lead Tracking: Monitors potential customers and helps nurture them through the sales funnel.
- Campaign Optimization Tools: Helps refine marketing strategies to maximize results and return on investment.
- Predictive Analytics Capabilities: Uses historical data to forecast future trends and outcomes.
- Advanced Attribution Modeling: Provides detailed insights into which marketing activities drive the most value.
- Interactive Dashboards: Visualizes data in an easy-to-understand format, enhancing accessibility for all team members.
Benefits of Marketing Performance Management Software
Implementing marketing performance management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved Decision-Making: Real-time data access and AI-driven analytics help your team make informed decisions quickly.
- Enhanced Campaign Effectiveness: Campaign optimization tools and predictive analytics refine strategies to maximize outcomes.
- Better Resource Allocation: Cross-channel performance tracking ensures your marketing efforts are aligned and resources are used efficiently.
- Increased Data Security: Data privacy compliance features ensure sensitive information is protected and meets regulations.
- Streamlined Reporting: Customizable reporting provides relevant insights, saving time and offering clarity on performance.
- Stronger Customer Insights: Lead tracking and advanced attribution modeling provide a deeper understanding of customer behaviors and preferences.
Costs and Pricing of Marketing Performance Management Software
Selecting marketing performance management 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 marketing performance management software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Marketing Performance Management Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic analytics, limited reporting, and restricted integrations |
Personal Plan | $5- 25/user /month | Enhanced analytics, customizable dashboards, and email support |
Business Plan | $30-$75 /user /month | Advanced reporting, multi-channel tracking, and dedicated support |
Enterprise Plan | $100-$200 /user /month | Full data access, predictive analytics, and priority customer service |
Marketing Performance Management Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about marketing performance management software:
How can marketing performance management software improve ROI?
Marketing performance management software helps you track and analyze your marketing efforts in real time. By offering insights into which campaigns are most effective, you can allocate resources more efficiently and maximize your return on investment. This data-driven approach ensures your marketing budget is spent wisely.
How do these tools help with cross-channel marketing efforts?
These tools provide a unified view of your marketing activities across various channels, making it easier to track performance and optimize strategies. By monitoring all channels in one place, you can ensure consistent messaging and better resource allocation. This approach leads to more coordinated and effective marketing campaigns.
Can marketing performance management software enhance team collaboration?
Yes, many of these tools offer features that support team collaboration, such as shared dashboards and real-time updates. This ensures everyone stays informed and aligned with marketing goals. Effective collaboration can lead to quicker decision-making and more successful marketing initiatives.
How do predictive analytics in these tools benefit marketing strategies?
Predictive analytics use historical data to forecast future trends, helping you anticipate changes in the market. This feature allows your team to make proactive decisions and adjust strategies before issues arise. It can lead to more successful campaigns and better alignment with business objectives.
What are the data privacy considerations with these tools?
Data privacy is crucial when handling sensitive customer information. Ensure the software complies with relevant data protection regulations and offers secure data storage solutions. Protecting customer data builds trust and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
What’s Next?
Ready to grow? Subscribe to The CMO newsletter.