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There are so many different stakeholder management platforms on the market that selecting the best one for you can be tricky. You want to improve stakeholder relationships, enhance communication, have better alignment with stakeholder expectations, and mitigate risks associated with stakeholder engagement, but need the right tool for your team. I've got you covered! In this post, I leverage my personal experience managing diverse products and using many different platforms with large teams and multiple stakeholders as I share my picks of the best stakeholder management software.

Why Trust Our Stakeholder Management Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing stakeholder management software since 2021. As product 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 product management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our stakeholder management software review methodology.

The Best Stakeholder Management Software Solutions Summary

Tools Price
Thryv Available upon request
BQE Core Pricing upon request
Totango From $249/month (2 users + 200 customer accounts)
Insightly From $29/user/month (billed annually)
StakeTracker No price details
Jambo From $995/user/month
monday.com From $8/user/month (billed annually, min 3 seats)
Kintone From $24/user/month
Smartsheet Pricing plan from $7/user/month (billed annually)
Productive From $11/user/month
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How To Choose Stakeholder Management Software

With so many different stakeholder management software solutions available, it can be challenging to make decisions on what stakeholder management software is going to be the best fit for your needs.

As you're shortlisting, trialing, and selecting stakeholder management software, consider the following:

  • What problem are you trying to solve - Start by identifying the stakeholder management feature gap you're trying to fill to clarify the features and functionality the stakeholder management software needs to provide.
  • Who will need to use it - To evaluate cost and requirements, consider who'll be using the software and how many licenses you'll need. You'll need to evaluate if it'll just be the product management professionals, or the whole organization that will require access. When that's clear, it's worth considering if you're prioritizing ease of use for all, or speed for your stakeholder management software power users.
  • What other tools it needs to work with - Clarify what tools you're replacing, what tools are staying, and the tools you'll need to integrate with, such as accounting, CRM or HR software. You'll need to decide if the tools will need to integrate together, or alternatively, if you can replace multiple tools with one consolidated stakeholder management tool.
  • What outcomes are important - Consider the result that the software needs to deliver to be considered a success. Consider what capability you want to gain, or what you want to improve, and how you will be measuring success. For example, an outcome could be the ability to get greater visibility into performance. You could compare stakeholder management software features until you’re blue in the face, but if you aren’t thinking about the outcomes you want to drive, you could be wasting a lot of valuable time.
  • How it would work within your organization - Consider the software selection alongside your workflows and delivery methodology. Evaluate what's working well, and the areas that are causing issues that need to be addressed. Remember every business is different — don’t assume that because a tool is popular that it'll work in your organization.

Best Stakeholder Management Software Reviews

Here’s a brief description of each stakeholder management system to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface. 

Best for small business stakeholder management

  • Free demo available
  • Available upon request

Thryv is an integrated business management solution that helps small businesses with essential business functions. Using this platform, you can improve stakeholder relations and manage contacts effectively.The software allows stakeholders to monitor progress using the client portal.

This makes it easy to get buy-in from many different contributors.Based in the cloud, Thryv can also be used to run marketing campaigns, send emails, and manage social media communications.

Thryv can also be used to manage team schedules, sync calendars, and book appointments.This tool integrates with multiple third-party applications, including Slack, Gmail, QuickBooks, and MailChimp.

Thryv offers customized pricing on request.

Best for back-office automation

  • 15-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

BQE Core is a work management system that organizes information and automates repetitive tasks. Built to meet the needs of professional services firms, it ensures that all stakeholders remain engaged and informed.The software aims to help firms improve cash flow through improved billing processes.

It also enhances project management and provides facilities for analyzing performance in detail.Information can be extracted from third-party systems and integrated into management reports.

BQE Core also helps to optimize, automate, and simplify HR tasks.This tool integrates with platforms such as Intuit and MYOB.

BQE Core offers customized pricing on request.

Best for stakeholder success plans

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $249/month (2 users + 200 customer accounts)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Totango offers stakeholder engagement features to help you identify, align, and engage with key project stakeholders. You can track and analyze their needs and expectations in real-time, so you can drive retention, minimize churn, and deepen your relationship.Thanks to the engagement metrics, you can identify accounts with a high risk of churn due to a lack of stakeholder engagement.

You can also create a mutually-agreed success plan, then deliver quarterly reviews on progress achieved. The software allows you to see how your team is engaging with stakeholders and key contacts. Armed with this information, it’s possible to create campaigns that enhance stakeholder engagement.

The Totango Javascript Library simplifies integration with virtually any data source.

Totango costs from $199/user/month, and a 14-day free trial is available.

Best for a complete view of stakeholder engagement

  • Free trial available
  • From $29/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Insightly is a SaaS-based solution that helps organizations manage all their data in one place. It also assists with building stakeholder relationships, accelerating sales, and delivering projects on time.Features include contact management, relationship linking, lead management, and email tracking.

You can also use the system for project management, workflow automation, and opportunity management.

Internal stakeholders can gain real-time access to key business metrics in just a few clicks. They can analyze information such as job placement rates, average salary data, and interview success ratios.

This tool integrates with popular business tools such as Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Dropbox, and Box.

Insightly costs from $29/user/month, and a free trial is available.

Best for a secure, online stakeholder management system

StakeTracker is a web-based, SaaS application that helps organizations stay on top of their projects by managing all communications centrally. The software facilitates planning, recording, documenting, and reporting on communications and interactions with shareholders.

Designed in collaboration with stakeholder engagement practitioners, StakeTracker reduces the time needed to mine, cross-reference, and collate the information needed to generate reports. It documents stakeholders’ interests, issues, and concerns, as well as tracking commitments.

In addition, the software provides feedback on how issues are addressed and resolved. Project team members can coordinate consultation events, assign tasks, share information, and follow up as necessary. There is no publicly available information on integrations.

StakeTracker offers customizable pricing on request.

Best for faster stakeholder engagement

  • No Free Trial
  • From $995/user/month

Jambo is a cloud-based stakeholder relationship management system. It aims to be the fastest way for organizations to manage their stakeholder information, stakeholder communications, and stakeholder engagement projects.Using the software, you can quickly log records of contact with stakeholders and design smart workflows.

Features include tag-based search, email integration, and instant save capabilities.You can track stakeholder issues and understand their impact, as well as monitor the progress of stakeholder commitments. The reporting features allow you to show the entire history of stakeholder engagement visually.There is no publicly available information on integrations.

Jambo costs from $995/user/month. There is no free trial.

Best for combining stakeholder management with project management

  • 14-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $8/user/month (billed annually, min 3 seats)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Monday.com is a popular project management tool that includes stakeholder management capabilities. You can use the stakeholder register template to identify project stakeholders, centralize their contact details, and boost engagement.Features include customizable dashboards to communicate real-time data with stakeholders and get a high-level view of project progress.

You can upload files for review and storage, then use a tag column to filter them according to stakeholder role and status.The automation features help you inform stakeholders when initiatives are complete. Thanks to the smart columns feature, you can classify stakeholders according to their level of interest or power.

This tool integrates with many popular software platforms, including Slack, LinkedIn, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Monday costs from $8/user/month, and a 14-day free trial is available.

Best for organizing team workflows in one place

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $24/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Kintone is a customizable workplace platform designed to manage every stakeholder’s input in a project. You can organize your team’s data, tasks, and communication from one place.The software helps you manage project data to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are up to speed. Y

ou can notify people when their input is needed and share information with multiple parties.With Kintone, you can organize processes and tasks into intuitive workflows. Automated reminders, approvals, and task handoffs ensure you spend less time managing work and more time getting things done.T

his tool integrates with business platforms such as Google Drive, Slack, Trello, and Microsoft 365.

Kintone costs from $24/user/month and a 30-day free trial is available.

Best for flexible project management

  • Freemium version available
  • Pricing plan from $7/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Smartsheet is a popular work management platform that helps you manage projects and automate processes. Designed to be flexible, it offers a rich set of views, workflows, reports, and dashboards. These can be used to capture and track plans, resources, and schedules.

The software includes a number of stakeholder analysis templates for tracking, program management, and communications planning. These can be used to keep all stakeholders fully informed of developments and progress. Enterprise-grade security takes good care of everything from policy access to data flows.

This tool integrates with various popular business tools, including Slack, Docusign, AWS, and Dropbox.

Smartsheet costs from $7/user/month, and a 30-day free trial is available.

Best stakeholder management software for agencies

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $11/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Productive.io is an all-in-one agency management system that aims to streamline productivity for client-centric businesses. With features such as budgeting, resource planning, project management, time tracking, sales, billing, and document creation, the platform offers a comprehensive solution for agencies to manage their operations effectively.

By centralizing where work is managed, tracked, and analyzed, internal stakeholders can easily access the information they need to stay informed on project progress, team performance, profitability, and other key business insights. Meanwhile, keeping work organized in one space allows teams to keep client stakeholders up to date and align with them easily.

The software integrates with other popular workplace tools including Dropbox, Exact, Google Workplace, Jira, Harvest Economic, Outlook, Microsoft Calendar, Slack, QuickBooks, and Xero. A Zapier integration is also available, which can unlock more integrations with a paid account.

Paid plans start from $11 per user, per month, and a 14-day free trial is available.

Other Stakeholder Management Software

Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.

  1. Wrike

    Providing a single source of truth for stakeholders

  2. Darzin Software

    Best for a stakeholder CRM

  3. InfoFlo

    Best for a customizable stakeholder management solution

  4. Kahootz

    Best for stakeholder engagement gamification

  5. Arpedio

    Best for strategic account management

  6. SMART

    Best for intelligent stakeholder engagement

  7. FlowPath

    Best for facilities management

  8. Stakeholder Circle

    Best for a proven stakeholder management methodology

  9. Borealis

    Embraces the ‘plan, engage, measure’ methodology

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:

Selection Criteria For Stakeholder Management Software

Choosing the right stakeholder management software involves a careful evaluation of the software's capabilities to meet specific operational needs, facilitate effective communication, and ensure seamless collaboration among all parties involved. My weighted selection criteria, developed through extensive testing and research, focus on identifying software that not only addresses the fundamental needs of stakeholder management but also offers unique features that set it apart from the competition.

Core Stakeholder Management Software Functionality (25% of total weighting score): To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best stakeholder management software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases:

  • Centralizing stakeholder communication to ensure consistency and accessibility.
  • Managing stakeholder information and history to personalize interactions.
  • Assigning and tracking tasks related to stakeholder engagement.
  • Collecting and analyzing feedback to inform decision-making.
  • Reporting on engagement activities and outcomes for continuous improvement.

Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score): In a competitive market, additional standout features can differentiate good stakeholder management software from great ones. This evaluation seeks to identify tools that go beyond the basics, offering innovative features such as:

  • Innovative engagement tools, like AI-driven insights for predicting stakeholder needs.
  • Advanced integration capabilities that allow for seamless workflow across other management systems.
  • Mobile accessibility features that enable stakeholders to interact with the platform anytime, anywhere.
  • Enhanced document collaboration tools that support real-time editing and version control.

Usability (10% of total weighting score): Usability testing is crucial to ensuring that stakeholder management software is accessible and effective for users of all technical backgrounds. This criterion assesses the software’s interface design, ease of navigation, and overall user experience, looking for a seamless balance between comprehensive functionality and simplicity. I additionally look for:

  • Intuitive design that simplifies navigation and makes it easy for users of all tech levels to engage with the platform.
  • Customizable dashboards that allow users to prioritize information relevant to their roles and needs.

Onboarding (10% of total weighting score): A smooth onboarding process is key to quickly realizing the value of stakeholder management software. This criterion evaluates the resources and support provided to new users, ensuring that they can easily set up, customize, and start using the software effectively with minimal friction. These resources might include:

  • Comprehensive training materials, such as videos and interactive tutorials, that help new users quickly understand the platform.
  • Available templates and best practices guides to streamline the setup process.
  • Responsive customer support that assists with the initial configuration and customization.

Customer Support (10% of total weighting score): Reliable customer support is essential for addressing issues and ensuring uninterrupted use of the software. This evaluation looks at the availability, responsiveness, and quality of support provided by the software vendors, ensuring users have access to assistance whenever needed. This assessment looks for:

  • 24/7 availability through multiple channels including live chat, email, and phone.
  • A knowledge base filled with helpful articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Proactive support, such as regular check-ins and updates on new features or improvements.

Value For Money (10% of total weighting score): Assessing value for money involves comparing the cost of the software against the features and benefits it offers. This criterion looks for transparent pricing, cost-effectiveness, and flexible plans that cater to the varied needs of different organizations, ensuring buyers receive a fair return on investment. This can involve:

  • Competitive pricing models that align with the features and benefits offered.
  • Transparent cost structures without hidden fees.
  • Flexible plans that cater to different sizes and types of organizations.

Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score): Customer reviews offer invaluable insights into the real-world application and satisfaction with the software. This criterion examines user feedback, looking for key indicators of the software’s performance and reliability, such as:

  • Positive feedback on usability and user satisfaction.
  • Testimonials highlighting effective customer support experiences.
  • Case studies demonstrating successful stakeholder engagement outcomes.

This comprehensive approach to selecting stakeholder management software ensures that the chosen solution not only meets the standard requirements, but also offers unique features and functionalities provide users with a tool that is effective, efficient, and valuable.

2024 has seen significant innovations and shifts that are reshaping how organizations communicate, collaborate, and engage with their stakeholders, resulting in many changing trends in stakeholder management software. I have identified several trends that both reflect the changing priorities and demands of the industry and highlight the direction in which stakeholder management technology is moving.

Data-Driven Insights and Analytics

  • AI-Powered Analytics: The use of artificial intelligence to analyze stakeholder feedback and engagement levels has become more prevalent. This technology provides deeper insights into stakeholder sentiments, enabling organizations to tailor their strategies more effectively.
  • Predictive Analytics: Tools are increasingly incorporating predictive analytics features that forecast future stakeholder behaviors and preferences based on historical data. This functionality allows for proactive rather than reactive stakeholder management.

Novel and Unusual Functionalities

  • Blockchain for Transparency: Some tools are experimenting with blockchain technology to enhance transparency and security in stakeholder communications. This novel approach is particularly appealing for organizations that prioritize data integrity and transparency.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Engagement: Although still in its infancy, the use of VR for stakeholder engagement represents a cutting-edge approach to immersive communication strategies, offering stakeholders a unique way to experience and interact with project outcomes.

Personalization and Segmentation

  • AI-Driven Personalization: There's a growing trend towards using AI to tailor communications and engagement strategies to individual stakeholder preferences and behaviors. This level of personalization enhances the effectiveness of engagement efforts by ensuring that stakeholders receive relevant and timely information.

The trends in stakeholder management software for 2024 highlight a shift towards more integrated, intelligent, and immersive tools. As these trends continue to evolve, they offer a glimpse into the future of stakeholder management, where technology will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining robust stakeholder relationships.

What is stakeholder management software?

Stakeholder management software is a type of tool that helps organizations systematically identify, analyze, and engage with their stakeholders. Through features like stakeholder identification and categorization, communication tools, engagement tracking, risk analysis, and reporting capabilities, it enables organizations to maintain a comprehensive understanding of their stakeholders.

This software contributes to more transparent and strategic stakeholder management, fostering positive relationships that can impact the success of projects and organizational initiatives.

Features of Stakeholder Management Software

Stakeholder management software can be a crucial tool for organizations looking to effectively engage with their stakeholders. This type of software helps to streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and maintain a high level of engagement with all parties involved. By focusing on the right features, organizations can ensure they choose a tool that meets their needs and supports their goals. Here are the top features to look for when selecting stakeholder management software.

  1. Centralized Communication Hub - This feature is essential for ensuring that messages are consistent, easily accessible, and that communication flows smoothly between all parties.
  2. Contact Management - Having a robust contact management system in place ensures that you can easily access stakeholder details and communication histories, making personalized communication more manageable.
  3. Task and Project Management - This feature helps in ensuring that all stakeholder-related activities are monitored and completed on time, fostering a collaborative environment.
  4. Customizable Surveys and Feedback Tools - Collecting feedback is vital for understanding stakeholder needs and concerns, allowing for more informed decision-making.
  5. Reporting and Analytics - This feature is crucial for measuring the success of stakeholder engagement efforts and for making data-driven improvements.
  6. Access Control and Permissions - Proper access control is fundamental for maintaining trust and security in stakeholder relationships.
  7. Integration Capabilities - Integration capabilities ensure that stakeholder management efforts are not siloed, but are instead a cohesive part of the organization's overall tool ecosystem.
  8. Mobile Accessibility - Mobile accessibility is essential for keeping stakeholders engaged and for facilitating timely communication.
  9. Document Sharing and Collaboration - This feature promotes collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page regarding project documents and materials.
  10. Notification and Alert System - An effective notification system ensures that nothing slips through the cracks and that stakeholders feel valued and informed.

Choosing the right stakeholder management software with these features can ensure that stakeholder relationships are nurtured, feedback is acted upon, and that every project or initiative is aligned with the expectations and needs of those it impacts. By prioritizing these features, organizations can foster a more inclusive, responsive, and engaging environment for all stakeholders.

Benefits of Stakeholder Management Software

By integrating stakeholder management software into their operations, users can unlock significant benefits that contribute to the success and sustainability of their projects and initiatives. Here are five primary benefits of utilizing stakeholder management software:

  1. Improved Communication Efficiency - This benefit ensures that all stakeholders receive timely and relevant information, enhancing transparency and trust between the organization and its stakeholders.
  2. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement - Stakeholder management software makes it easier to understand and address stakeholder concerns, leading to more effective collaborations and increased satisfaction among stakeholders.
  3. Strategic Decision-Making Support - By leveraging analytics and reporting features, organizations can make informed decisions that align with stakeholder interests and project goals, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
  4. Increased Project Success Rates - The software helps in identifying and prioritizing stakeholder needs, reducing the risk of project delays or failures caused by misalignment or misunderstandings.
  5. Time and Resource Optimization - This efficiency not only saves time but also allows teams to allocate their resources more effectively, focusing on strategic activities rather than administrative tasks.

For businesses looking to enhance their stakeholder engagement practices, this software is not just a tool, but a strategic investment that can lead to improved project outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and overall business success. By leveraging the benefits outlined above, organizations can navigate the complexities of stakeholder management with greater ease and effectiveness.

Costs & Pricing for Stakeholder Management Software

When exploring stakeholder management software options, it's crucial to understand the variety of plans and pricing structures available to find the best fit for your organization's needs.

These software tools come with a range of features designed to enhance engagement with stakeholders, and their pricing often reflects the complexity and scalability of the features offered. Plans typically range from basic packages suitable for small teams and projects to more advanced options that cater to large organizations with extensive stakeholder management needs.

Below is a breakdown of common plan options and their average pricing.

Plan Comparison Table for Stakeholder Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features Included
Basic$10-25/user/monthCentralized communication, contact management, basic reporting and analytics
Professional$25-50/user/monthAll features in Basic, advanced analytics, task and project management, integration capabilities
EnterpriseCustom pricingAll features in Professional, AI-driven insights, customizable dashboards, enhanced security features
Free Option$0Limited communication tools, basic contact management, access to community support

Choosing the right plan involves balancing the need for advanced features against budget constraints. Consider starting with a basic or free option to gain familiarity with the tool's functionalities, and upgrade as your organization's needs grow and evolve.

What do you think about this list?

Stakeholder management software plays an important role in helping organizations achieve their most ambitious goals. Now you’ve seen my top tool picks, what do you think? If you know of an awesome tool we overlooked, let us know in the comments. 

I also recommend you check out our helpful article on product management tools. You may discover a tool that’s just perfect for your needs. 

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By Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Ben applies his expertise in design and strategy to enable businesses to deliver innovative products and services that delight customers. Ben is passionate about understanding customer needs through design research, identifying opportunities based on those insights, and empowering designers and technologists to create solutions. He is driven to develop and uncover new opportunities for clients, establishing strong connections with their customers through product solutions that create lasting value.