This guide compares six powerful project management tools—Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Wrike, and Zoho Projects—to help women entrepreneurs.
Setting up a purpose-driven business is an incredible journey filled with ambition, creativity, and a desire to make an impact. For women entrepreneurs, especially those balancing multiple responsibilities, having the right tools to organise projects, manage time, and collaborate effectively can be the difference between overwhelm and success.
At LoftyGoals.co.uk, we understand women's unique challenges when building businesses rooted in purpose and impact. That’s why we’re here to help you find the right solutions to streamline your operations, giving you the clarity and confidence to focus on what truly matters—creating a thriving business that aligns with your goals and values.
This article will explore six project management tools tailored for women launching and growing their businesses: Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Wrike, and Zoho Projects. These tools help you stay organised, work smarter, and achieve more. Whether you’re managing a small team, juggling client projects, or running your business solo, there’s a platform here to support your vision.
We’ll compare these tools based on usability, pricing, and key features to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your purpose-driven business. With the right project management tool, you can move from being overwhelmed to being clear, giving you the structure to grow with intention and achieve your lofty goals.
As a purpose-driven entrepreneur, you need tools that help you manage your business efficiently and empower you to focus on your mission and values. Let’s take a closer look at six project management tools designed to simplify your day-to-day operations while keeping your goals on track.
Asana is a robust tool that helps you stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration. Its clean interface and intuitive layout make it ideal for entrepreneurs managing multiple projects. With task prioritisation, workflow automation, and custom templates, Asana allows you to organise every aspect of your business, from marketing campaigns to product launches. For women building purpose-driven businesses, Asana provides clarity and structure so you can focus on making an impact.
Trello’s Kanban-style boards are perfect for those who thrive on visual organisation. Whether planning a product launch or mapping out your goals for the year, Trello makes it easy to see the big picture while managing the details. Its drag-and-drop interface is simple yet powerful, offering flexibility for solopreneurs and small teams. Trello is particularly great for brainstorming and project tracking, helping you easily bring your vision to life.
Monday.com is known for its flexibility and customisation, making it a powerful tool for women entrepreneurs with unique workflows. Whether you’re managing clients, tracking finances, or planning a social impact project, Monday.com adapts to your needs. Its colourful interface and collaborative features encourage teamwork, while its powerful automation options save you time—giving you more space to focus on your purpose.
ClickUp is the ultimate tool for multitaskers. Combining task management, goal tracking, document collaboration, and even time tracking, it’s a one-stop shop for managing your business. ClickUp’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for purpose-driven businesses looking to scale while staying organised. Whether working solo or with a team, this platform helps you keep everything in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.
If your business is growing rapidly and you need a tool that can keep up, Wrike is a strong contender. With advanced project tracking, Gantt charts, and time management features, Wrike is built for entrepreneurs who need a structured approach. Its scalability makes it ideal for businesses planning to expand their teams or handle more complex projects. Wrike’s custom workflows ensure that your processes align with your purpose, no matter how big your goals are.
For women entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective yet reliable tool, Zoho Projects delivers. It offers essential features like task management, time tracking, and file sharing without the hefty price tag. Zoho integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps, making it a great choice if you already use tools like Zoho CRM or Zoho Books. Its simplicity and affordability make it a valuable option for entrepreneurs just starting out.
Choosing the right project management tool depends on how well it aligns with your business needs. Below, we break down the key features of Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Wrike, and Zoho Projects to help you decide which one is the best fit for your purpose-driven business.
Asana: Offers detailed task creation with options for subtasks, due dates, and task dependencies. Perfect for tracking progress on complex projects.
Trello: Uses a simple Kanban-style board to visualise tasks. Great for straightforward workflows but limited for managing detailed, multi-step projects.
Monday.com: Highly customisable, allowing you to create task boards that suit your unique processes. Colourful visual aids complement task tracking.
ClickUp: Combines task management with goal tracking, making it easy to see how individual tasks contribute to your broader objectives.
Wrike: Provides advanced task management, including prioritisation, progress tracking, and the ability to assign multiple users to a single task.
Zoho Projects: Offers basic task management features, including task lists, milestones, and dependencies. Ideal for smaller teams or simpler workflows.
Asana: Encourages team collaboration with features like comments, tagging, and file sharing within tasks.
Trello: Allows team members to comment on cards and attach files but lacks built-in advanced communication tools.
Monday.com: Promotes team alignment with real-time updates, file sharing, and a timeline view for tracking responsibilities.
ClickUp: Includes advanced collaboration tools like real-time editing of documents and task comment threads.
Wrike: Offers robust communication features, including shared dashboards, file sharing, and team activity streams.
Zoho Projects: Features team collaboration tools like chat, forums, and document sharing, making it a solid choice for smaller teams.
Asana: Offers pre-built templates and the ability to create custom workflows. Limited flexibility compared to others.
Trello: Simple and intuitive but relies heavily on Power-Ups (integrations) to add advanced functionality.
Monday.com: Highly customisable with options to create tailored workflows, automation, and visual dashboards.
ClickUp: Extremely flexible, allowing you to customise views, statuses, and task attributes to suit your processes.
Wrike: Offers custom workflows and templates but may require a steeper learning curve.
Zoho Projects: Provides basic customisation options for workflows and templates, suitable for simpler setups.
Asana: Offers basic automation like recurring tasks and simple workflow rules.
Trello: Provides automation through its Butler feature, enabling rules, buttons, and scheduled commands.
Monday.com: Powerful automation features for task assignments, due date reminders, and status updates.
ClickUp: Includes advanced automation options for creating workflows, task reminders, and recurring tasks.
Wrike: Allows for complex automation of workflows and approvals, which is ideal for scaling businesses.
Zoho Projects: Limited automation capabilities, but enough for simple tasks and project updates.
Asana: Integrates with over 200 apps, including Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams.
Trello: Supports integrations (Power-Ups) with tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote, but limited free options.
Monday.com: Integrates with popular apps like Zoom, HubSpot, and Shopify, making it versatile for various business needs.
ClickUp: Offers a wide range of integrations, including with Zoom, Dropbox, and CRM platforms.
Wrike: Integrates with tools like Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, and QuickBooks, making it great for specialised needs.
Zoho Projects: Works seamlessly with other Zoho apps and integrates with third-party tools like Microsoft Teams and Zapier.
When managing a purpose-driven business, ease of use is a key factor in choosing a project management tool. Here’s how each tool stacks up regarding usability, learning curve, and adaptability to different working styles.
Asana: Designed with user-friendliness in mind, Asana is easy to get started with, especially for those familiar with task management tools. However, its advanced features, like workflow automation and dependencies, may require some initial learning.
Trello: Trello’s simplicity makes it the easiest tool to adopt for beginners. Its drag-and-drop interface and intuitive board layout are ideal for quick setups and visual organisation.
Monday.com: While Monday.com offers incredible flexibility, the customisation level can initially feel overwhelming. Users may need to invest time in exploring its features to fully benefit from the tool.
ClickUp: ClickUp provides an all-in-one platform, but its sheer breadth of features can be intimidating. Beginners might need tutorials or support to navigate its advanced capabilities.
Wrike: Wrike’s powerful features come with a steeper learning curve. It’s better suited for users with experience in project management tools or those managing more complex projects.
Zoho Projects: Zoho Projects has a straightforward interface that’s beginner-friendly. However, it may lack the depth that more advanced users expect.
Asana: Sleek and visually appealing, with customisable project views (list, board, timeline). The clean interface helps reduce overwhelm, making it easier to focus on tasks.
Trello: Minimalistic and highly visual, Trello’s Kanban-style interface is ideal for users who prefer simplicity and clarity in task management.
Monday.com: Vibrant and dynamic, Monday.com’s interface uses colour-coded statuses and customisable views, offering both aesthetics and functionality.
ClickUp: Customisable layouts let users tailor the interface to their needs, but the abundance of options can make it feel cluttered initially.
Wrike: Focused on functionality, Wrike’s interface is less visually appealing but highly organised. It’s built for efficiency rather than aesthetics.
Zoho Projects: Simple and straightforward, Zoho Projects provides a clean, no-frills interface that prioritises usability over design.
Asana: Offers robust mobile and desktop apps with seamless syncing. Users can easily manage tasks and projects on the go.
Trello: Trello’s mobile app mirrors the simplicity of its desktop version, making it an excellent choice for mobile-first users.
Monday.com: Its mobile app is feature-rich and intuitive, ensuring that users can manage workflows from anywhere.
ClickUp: The mobile app provides full access to its features, but the complex interface may feel cramped on smaller screens.
Wrike: Wrike’s mobile app is functional and allows for efficient task updates, but some features are better suited to the desktop version.
Zoho Projects: Offers a reliable mobile app with all essential features, though advanced functionalities are limited.
Asana: Great for businesses juggling multiple types of projects, such as content creation, marketing, and team management.
Trello: Perfect for solopreneurs or small teams looking for a simple way to track goals and progress visually.
Monday.com: Highly adaptable for growing businesses with unique workflows or multi-layered project needs.
ClickUp: Ideal for entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one solution to manage tasks, goals, and collaborations.
Wrike: Best suited for businesses managing complex or large-scale projects that require advanced tracking.
Zoho Projects: A solid choice for smaller teams or startups looking for an affordable solution to stay organised.
Understanding the cost of project management tools is crucial, especially for entrepreneurs building purpose-driven businesses on a budget. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Wrike, and Zoho Projects, including what you get at each tier.
Basic task management with list and board views.
Limited to small teams with no timeline or advanced features.
Best for solopreneurs or small teams starting out.
Includes timeline view, workflow automation, and custom fields.
Ideal for growing teams needing more structure.
Adds advanced reporting, portfolio management, and integrations.
Suitable for scaling businesses managing multiple projects.
Unlimited cards and 10 boards per workspace.
Includes basic Power-Ups and automation tools.
Best for visual thinkers managing simple workflows.
Unlimited boards, advanced checklists, and more Power-Ups.
Great for small teams wanting additional functionality.
Includes timeline, dashboard, and calendar views for better planning.
Ideal for teams managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Advanced admin and security features for large organisations.
Basic boards and limited features for up to 2 users.
Good for testing the platform or very small operations.
Unlimited boards and 5 GB file storage.
Best for startups managing straightforward workflows.
Adds timeline and calendar views, automation, and integrations.
Great for growing businesses needing more collaboration tools.
Includes advanced automation, time tracking, and chart views.
It is ideal for businesses scaling their operations.
Unlimited tasks, members, and two-factor authentication.
Perfect for solopreneurs or small teams on a tight budget.
Adds unlimited storage, integrations, and dashboards.
Great for small businesses needing more flexibility.
Advanced automation, time tracking, and custom fields.
Ideal for scaling purpose-driven businesses.
Tailored solutions for larger organisations with complex needs.
Basic task and board views for small teams.
Good for testing the platform or handling simple projects.
Gantt charts shared dashboards, and integrations.
Best for growing teams managing multiple projects.
Custom workflows, reporting, and advanced automation.
Ideal for teams with complex processes.
Enhanced security and scalability for larger businesses.
This is for up to 3 users and has basic task and project management features.
It is best for startups or entrepreneurs testing the platform.
Includes Gantt charts, integrations, and time tracking.
An affordable option for small teams with moderate needs.
Advanced customisation, automation, and resource management.
Great for scaling businesses with diverse workflows.
Trello’s free plan or Zoho Projects’ affordable premium plan are excellent choices for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
For small teams ready to grow: Asana Premium or Monday.com’s Standard plan offer robust features without a steep price.
For scaling businesses: Wrike and ClickUp provide advanced options tailored for complex projects.
Every project management tool has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, depending on the needs of your purpose-driven business. Here’s a breakdown of what each tool excels at and where it may fall short.
Strengths:
Intuitive interface with multiple views (list, board, timeline).
Excellent for managing complex workflows with task dependencies and custom fields.
Strong collaboration features, including tagging and file sharing.
Weaknesses:
The extensive features can be overwhelming for small teams or beginners.
Higher pricing for advanced plans compared to competitors.
Strengths:
Simple and highly visual Kanban-style organisation.
Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
Free plan includes unlimited cards and a variety of Power-Ups for extended functionality.
Weaknesses:
Limited capabilities for managing complex projects without significant Power-Up customisation.
Lacks native advanced features like Gantt charts and task dependencies.
Strengths:
Highly customisable workflows and vibrant visual interface.
Powerful automation and integrations with popular apps.
Scalable, making it a good choice for growing teams.
Weaknesses:
Steeper learning curve due to the variety of customisation options.
Pricing can add up quickly as team size increases.
Strengths:
All-in-one platform with a wide range of features, including goal tracking and document collaboration.
Excellent customisation and flexibility for unique workflows.
Affordable pricing with a strong free plan.
Weaknesses:
The interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming due to the abundance of options.
It requires time and effort to set up workflows effectively.
Strengths:
Robust task management with advanced features like Gantt charts and custom workflows.
Excellent for businesses managing large-scale or complex projects.
Strong focus on team collaboration and reporting.
Weaknesses:
Higher pricing compared to other tools with similar features.
Steeper learning curve, which may not suit beginners.
Strengths:
Affordable pricing makes it accessible for startups and small teams.
Seamless integration with other Zoho apps like Zoho CRM and Zoho Books.
Easy to use with essential features like time tracking and task dependencies.
Weaknesses:
Limited advanced features compared to competitors.
May not be as customisable for businesses with complex workflows.
Asana: Best for managing complex workflows and team collaboration.
Trello: Ideal for small teams or solopreneurs looking for simplicity and visual organisation.
Monday.com: Great for growing teams needing customisable workflows.
ClickUp: Perfect for businesses seeking an all-in-one platform with affordable pricing.
Wrike: Suitable for scaling businesses with complex project needs.
Zoho Projects: Best for budget-conscious startups or those already using Zoho apps.
Each project management tool is designed with specific use cases in mind. Here's a guide to help you identify which tool might work best for your purpose-driven business based on your unique requirements.
Best Fit: Trello
Trello’s simplicity and intuitive design make it ideal for solopreneurs or small teams managing straightforward projects. Its free plan offers plenty of functionality, and its Kanban-style boards are great for visual thinkers.
Alternative: Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is an excellent choice for those looking for affordable task management with basic features like time tracking and milestones.
Best Fit: Monday.com
If your team is expanding and your workflows are becoming more complex, Monday.com’s customisable boards and automation features can help streamline your operations. Its collaborative tools and vibrant interface encourage team alignment.
Alternative: Asana
Asana is another strong contender for growing teams, offering advanced task dependencies, portfolio views, and workflow customisation to handle multi-layered projects.
Best Fit: ClickUp
ClickUp’s free forever plan includes features like unlimited tasks, goal tracking, and integrations, making it the most cost-effective option for purpose-driven businesses that want a comprehensive tool without breaking the bank.
Alternative: Trello
Trello’s free plan is another budget-friendly choice for smaller operations, with the option to add Power-Ups for additional functionality as needed.
Best Fit: Wrike
Wrike’s advanced project management features, such as Gantt charts, resource management, and custom workflows, make it ideal for businesses handling large-scale or complex projects.
Alternative: Monday.com
Monday.com’s scalability and automation capabilities can also support businesses managing rapid growth and evolving workflows.
Best Fit: Trello
Trello’s Kanban-style boards are perfect for creative teams or individuals who prefer a visual approach to task management.
Alternative: Monday.com
Monday.com’s colourful and dynamic dashboards also cater to visual thinkers, with the added benefit of detailed analytics and tracking tools.
Best Fit: ClickUp
ClickUp’s versatility allows you to manage multiple projects, clients, or departments within a single platform. Its integration of task management, time tracking, and collaboration makes it ideal for diverse needs.
Alternative: Wrike
Wrike’s custom workflows and reporting tools make it an excellent choice for businesses juggling multiple clients or departments.
Best Fit: Zoho Projects
If you’re already using Zoho apps like Zoho CRM or Zoho Books, Zoho Projects integrates seamlessly, allowing you to centralise your operations.
To illustrate how these tools can support purpose-driven businesses, here are real-world examples of how women entrepreneurs might use these platforms to manage their goals, streamline operations, and grow their businesses.
Tool: Trello
Scenario: A solopreneur is creating her first group coaching programme and needs to organise her content creation, marketing strategy, and client onboarding.
Create a Kanban board with lists for content creation, marketing tasks, and client onboarding steps.
Use cards to track individual tasks, such as writing email sequences or designing landing pages.
Add Power-Ups for automation, such as linking tasks to Google Calendar or setting reminders.
Outcome: A clear, visual workflow keeps the entire launch process on track without overwhelming the solopreneur.
Tool: Monday.com
Scenario: A small social enterprise team needs to coordinate fundraising campaigns, product development, and community outreach.
Use different boards for each department (fundraising, product development, outreach).
Set up automations to assign tasks and notify team members of due dates.
Track project progress with timeline and Gantt chart views.
Outcome: Improved collaboration and alignment across departments, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks as the enterprise scales.
Tool: ClickUp
Scenario: A new wellness start-up wants a cost-effective way to manage its operations, including content planning, partnerships, and customer feedback.
Use the free plan to manage unlimited tasks and projects.
Create custom statuses to track content from ideation to publishing.
Use integrations to link tasks with customer feedback collected through Google Forms.
Outcome: A comprehensive, budget-friendly solution that centralises operations and ensures all business areas are managed effectively.
Tool: Wrike
Scenario: A consultancy focused on leadership development is onboarding new clients while managing internal projects.
Use Gantt charts to track project timelines and deadlines for multiple clients.
Create custom workflows for onboarding, project delivery, and reporting.
Use shared dashboards to provide clients with real-time updates on their projects.
Outcome: A scalable system that ensures professional and consistent delivery for every client, even as the consultancy grows.
Tool: Asana
Scenario: A non-profit focused on community empowerment needs to coordinate staff and volunteers for multiple ongoing projects.
Assign tasks to staff and volunteers with clear deadlines and instructions.
Use Asana’s timeline view to ensure events and deliverables are on track.
Share task updates and files with team members to centralise communication.
Outcome: Improved transparency and accountability, allowing the non-profit to focus on its mission.
Tool: Zoho Projects
Scenario: A boutique e-commerce business is scaling its operations and needs to coordinate inventory management, marketing campaigns, and website updates.
Integrate with Zoho Books and Zoho CRM to track inventory and sales data.
Use task lists to manage marketing campaigns and update the website.
Use milestones and Gantt charts to keep the expansion plan on track.
Outcome: An affordable and integrated system that ensures smooth scaling while controlling costs.
Choosing the right project management tool is a critical decision for women entrepreneurs building purpose-driven businesses. The right platform can help you stay organised, save time, and ensure that your work aligns with your mission. With so many options available, it’s essential to choose a tool that fits your specific needs, budget, and goals.
If you’re just starting out and need a simple, intuitive tool, Trello is perfect for visually managing tasks and staying on top of smaller projects.
For growing businesses with unique workflows, Monday.com offers the customisation and scalability needed to handle increasing complexity.
If budget is a concern but you need a comprehensive solution, ClickUp delivers excellent value with its robust free plan.
Businesses managing multiple teams or departments may find Wrike invaluable for its advanced features and reporting capabilities.
For those who value integration and affordability, especially within the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Projects is a great option.
Finally, Asana's ability to streamline collaboration and manage complex workflows makes it ideal for larger teams or more intricate projects.
Every entrepreneur deserves the right tools to thrive. Whether working solo or managing a growing team, these project management platforms can help you turn your lofty goals into achievable milestones. The best way to decide is to take advantage of free trials or demos and see which tool feels right for your workflow.
Ready to take your purpose-driven business to the next level?
Choose your tool, organise your projects, and realise your vision.