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A production manager plays a central role in overseeing how goods and services move from planning to completion. This position bridges the gap between strategy and execution by ensuring resources, schedules and workflows align to meet production goals. Successful production managers coordinate across departments, work closely with teams on the ground and communicate with leadership to keep operations on track. Their work is not limited to the shop floor, but extends to planning, budgeting and reporting, making them vital to any organization’s performance. The production manager job description often highlights a wide range of responsibilities that require both technical knowledge and leadership skills. These managers must balance cost control with quality, maintain safety standards while optimizing efficiency and motivate staff while driving results. They also need to adapt quickly to changes in demand, supply chain disruptions or shifting organizational priorities. The production manager role demands strong problem-solving, clear communication and the ability to manage people and processes under pressure, which is why it’s considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding positions in operations management. What Is a Production Manager? A production manager is responsible for coordinating the daily operations of manufacturing or service delivery to ensure efficiency, quality and timeliness. This role covers everything from scheduling production runs and managing resources to monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with standards. A production manager must oversee teams, resolve workflow issues and implement processes that balance cost with output while maintaining safety and quality benchmarks. Beyond daily oversight, a production manager also works on long-term planning and continuous improvement. They analyze performance data, develop strategies to increase productivity and introduce new methods or technologies to enhance output. Collaboration is a big part of their role, as they work with suppliers, engineers, finance teams and senior leadership to align production goals with overall business objectives. The success of a production manager is measured by their ability to consistently deliver results while adapting to changing demands and challenges. Project management software helps production managers do their job more effectively by centralizing planning, scheduling and tracking into one platform. Instead of relying on disconnected spreadsheets or manual updates, production managers can use software tools to monitor timelines, allocate resources, track budgets and generate reports in real time. This visibility reduces inefficiencies, prevents delays and ensures all stakeholders stay aligned on priorities and progress. ProjectManager is an ideal solution for any production manager who wants to streamline operations and improve outcomes. Our Gantt charts allow managers to link task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set baselines to measure variance as production progresses. With these powerful scheduling and tracking tools, production managers gain the insights they need to keep projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining full visibility across teams and workflows. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-cta-e1712005286389.jpgLearn more What Does a Production Manager Do? A production manager oversees the entire production process, ensuring that operations run smoothly, resources are used efficiently and output meets quality and delivery standards. This individual acts as the link between strategic planning and day-to-day execution, coordinating teams, schedules and resources to achieve organizational goals. By balancing cost control, quality assurance and timely delivery, a production manager plays a crucial role in driving operational success and business growth. This broad role can be broken down into specific responsibilities that define how production managers deliver consistent results. Production Manager Responsibilities A production manager job description typically includes a wide range of responsibilities that cover both operational tasks and strategic planning. These responsibilities ensure that production goals are met, resources are used effectively and teams stay aligned. Here are some of the most common duties of a production manager: Plan and organize production schedules to meet deadlines Manage budgets and monitor production costs Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the process Oversee staff and assign responsibilities to team members Identify and manage production risks or bottlenecks Collaborate with procurement to ensure materials are available Monitor equipment and schedule routine maintenance Implement health and safety regulations on the production floor Track progress with reports and communicate with senior management Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Production-Schedule-Template-Excel-image.png Get your free Production Schedule Template Use this free Production Schedule Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Production Manager Skills To succeed in this role, a production manager needs a balance of technical knowledge, leadership ability and problem-solving expertise. These skills help them coordinate teams, manage processes and adapt to changing production demands. The following are key skills every production manager should have: Strong leadership and team management Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Problem-solving and analytical thinking Time management and organizational skills Knowledge of manufacturing processes and industry standards Budgeting and cost-control expertise Familiarity with health and safety regulations Technical proficiency with production tools and software Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strategic thinking and adaptability under pressure Production Manager Job Description Example A production manager job description should outline the scope of the role, key responsibilities and the skills required to succeed. It also highlights the education and experience employers typically look for when hiring. Below is a structured example of what a production manager job description might include. Role Description Oversee the daily production process to ensure efficiency and quality Coordinate schedules, resources and teams to meet production targets Act as the link between management, staff and stakeholders Balance cost control with quality standards and timely delivery Production Manager Responsibilities Plan and organize production schedules Monitor budgets, costs and resource allocation Implement and maintain quality assurance standards Supervise staff and assign roles across production teams Manage risks and resolve production bottlenecks Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams Ensure equipment is maintained and operational Enforce health and safety regulations Prepare progress reports for senior leadership Lead continuous improvement initiatives Desired Production Manager Skills Strong leadership and communication abilities Problem-solving and analytical thinking Time management and organizational skills Knowledge of industry standards and processes Budgeting and cost-control expertise Technical proficiency with production software and tools Ability to adapt to changing production demands Strategic and critical thinking Team motivation and conflict resolution Attention to detail and process orientation Production Manager Education & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, manufacturing or related field Advanced certifications in production or operations management preferred Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or similar methodologies Proficiency with project management or ERP software Preferred Experience 3–5 years of management experience in a production environment Proven track record of meeting production goals and quality standards Experience leading cross-functional teams Background in managing budgets and resources Exposure to process improvement initiatives /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/banner-ad-manufacturing-ebook.jpg Production Manager Salary Here’s an overview of current salary data for production managers across several reputable sources. These figures provide valuable insights for both job seekers and hiring managers. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a production manager in the US is $99,268 per year. Salary.com reports that the average pay for a production manager is $111,415 annually. On PayScale, the average salary for a production manager in manufacturing is $82,893 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists production manager pay within the industrial production manager category, which averages around $121,440 per year. ProjectManager Is an Ideal Tool for a Production Manager ProjectManager is an ideal tool for a production manager because it gives them the flexibility to plan, organize and execute work through multiple project views. While Gantt charts are powerful for scheduling, production managers often need faster ways to see task details and progress. With our software, they can switch to a task list to focus on assignments, a kanban board to manage workflows, a sheet view for spreadsheet-style tracking or a calendar view to plan by dates. These views keep projects organized while allowing production managers to choose the perspective that best fits the task at hand. Watch the brief video below to see how our software can support production managers. Streamline Resource Management A production manager must balance labor, materials and equipment across multiple shifts and deadlines. ProjectManager makes this easier with workload charts that visualize team availability, timesheets that track actual hours worked and allocation tools that prevent bottlenecks. Resources can be assigned and adjusted in real time, ensuring production stays on schedule without overburdening staff. Cost tracking is also built in, letting managers compare planned versus actual expenses and keep budgets under control. By combining scheduling with cost and workload data, production managers gain clear visibility into how resources are used across projects. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Enhance Tracking and Reporting Tracking production performance is critical for hitting deadlines and delivering quality. ProjectManager’s real-time dashboards automatically update key metrics like task progress, costs and workload without manual input. Production managers can generate customizable reports for stakeholders on demand, showing status, variances and upcoming risks. Because all data is centralized, managers no longer need to chase spreadsheets or rely on outdated numbers. This level of visibility ensures that issues are identified quickly and decisions are made with accurate information, keeping production efficient and accountable from start to finish. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Team-summary-better-data-light-mode-home-screen-dashboard.png Related Production Management Content Becoming a production manager is a big task. Below are some articles that will help those looking for or hoping to become one with a greater understanding of the position. Making a Production Plan (Example Included) 15 Top Methods of Production Production Scheduling Basics: Creating a Production Schedule 20 Production and Manufacturing KPIs & Metrics Production Forecasting Basics for Manufacturing Businesses Production Operations Management: Goals & Challenges 10 Best Production Tracking Software How to Make a Production Flow Chart for Manufacturing ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Production Manager Job Description: Role, Responsibilities & Skills appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Diversifying your studying techniques is a great way to stay more engaged as you learn new information, but know this: The classic methods are classic for a reason. Take flashcards, for instance. You've certainly used them in the past, but you may not have been using them in a way that maximized their benefits. Behold the Leitner system, which provides more structure to the tried-and-true practice of studying with flashcards and might be the jumpstart your studying needs. This memory-enhancing method is best suited for when you have a substantial amount of time to learn your material, so avoid it for cramming. Instead, get going with it as soon as a semester or new chapter starts. What is the Leitner system for studying?This system was devised by science writer Sebastian Leitner in 1972, which is why he gets the honor of having it named for him. (It’s from his book How to Learn to Learn, but while old copies retail for about $4, they're only available in German, so just trust me on this one.) For the first few decades of its use, it relied solely on on physical tools: flashcards and boxes. (You’ll also need a pen or pencil to make the flashcards.) Writing out your flashcards by hand is generally a good idea, as handwriting something helps stick it into your memory, but these days, you have other, more modern options for your Leitner sessions. We'll get to those, too. At its core, this is a version of spaced repetition, an evidence-based technique that helps learners absorb numerous pieces of information and store them in their memory. The system is best used when you have ample time but have to learn a lot of concepts, phrases, or ideas—so use it for an entire course or a really hefty chapter instead of a section or topic that only includes a few new things to learn. Now let's get into what it is and how to execute it. How to use the Leitner systemLet's assume for a moment you're doing this the old-school way—relying on index cards and a pen. The first thing you’re going to do is make your flashcards. Don’t worry about the other steps involving the boxes just yet. Make the flashcards as you normally would by including vocabulary words, new concepts, phrases, important dates, and anything else you need to know. It helps to first use a reading comprehension technique to go through the chapter or subject at hand, so try the SQ3R method, which has you identify questions you have about the material before you start reading, then has you write down the answers to those questions as you find them, plus anything else you learn. You base those questions on subheadings, graphs, tables, summaries, and other key parts of the chapter, but you can later base your flashcards on those same pieces of information, plus the answers you find. Be thorough and include concepts and words you already feel confident you know, even if that seems silly. It’s all part of the Leitner method and will come in handy. Once you have a comprehensive flashcard deck, it’s time to use the method. You’ll need five boxes (or envelopes or even labeled binder clips, as long as it’s something that can hold big stacks of cards). You should label them on a timeline, ideally by how long you have to grasp the information. If you have a big midterm in two months, for instance, label Box 1 “daily,” Box 2 “every other day,” Box 3 “weekly,” Box 4 “biweekly,” and Box 5 “monthly.” Now, do a round of flashcards. Every card you get right, move to Box 2. Every card you get wrong, keep in Box 1. You see where this is going, but I'll spell it out: Box 1 is a daily review, so you do those flashcards every day, but if you start this activity on a Monday and your Box 2 is designated for every-other-day study, you won’t return to that one until Wednesday. If you answer cards from Box 2 correctly, they’ll go to Box 3, which in this example is your “weekly” box. If you answer any cards in Box 2 incorrectly, you move those back to Box 1, where you’ll study them every day until you get them right. In short, when you answer a card right, it moves forward into a box that will have you reviewing it less frequently. When you answer a card wrong, it moves backward into a box that will have you reviewing it more frequently. Eventually, you’ll have cards all the way down in Box 5. Those will be the cards containing information you have effectively stored in your memory and really grasp, so you don’t need to go over them as often. Cards in the lower-numbered boxes contain information you’re not retaining as well and should go over more. Modifications and things to keep in mind about the Leitner systemHow you use the system will depend on how much time you have to study, as well as how much you have to learn. For instance, if you have just a few concepts you want to drill or you have only two weeks until a big test, you might use three boxes to designated daily, every-other-day, and weekly study. You also have some wiggle room when it comes to incorrect answers. The most faithful adherence to the method would have you moving any incorrect cards all the way back to Box 1 no matter what box it had previously made its way to, for instance, but you can make a judgement call on whether getting it wrong one time means you need to study it every day or whether you think it should only be demoted one box. Personally, I don't see the harm in demoting it all the way to Box 1; if you got it wrong due to a momentary brain fart, it'll make its way back up to the higher numbers easily enough in time; if you got it wrong because the information truly slipped out of your memory, it deserves to get some daily attention until you know it well enough to advance it. You also need to be strategic when you’re studying on a day that involves multiple boxes. If you start on a Monday and use a daily, every-other-day, and weekly setup for your first three boxes, for instance, Friday is going to be pretty big for you. Start with whatever the highest box of the day is, then move backward. By doing this, you’ll get to study any you got wrong and moved backward twice, but won’t have to study any you got right and moved forward twice. Plus, it’ll be a little confidence boost to start on the harder ones and get some right, moving them to a box you won’t have to look at for a while. The goal here is to really hammer the cards that contain information that isn’t sticking for you without bogging yourself down studying things you already know. As more cards move into the higher-numbered boxes, add information from new chapters so your deck is a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to know for a cumulative test or, ideally, long-term in the real-world application of the information. Apps can make this easierYes, the classic approach to this involves handwriting cards and physically moving them around in boxes or envelopes and while that can be beneficial in its own way, the process is also laborious, time-consuming, and a little hard to manage. Where will you store all those flashcards? Are you going to bring them around to study on the go? The answer is probably no, which means you may find yourself skipping some days if it's not feasible to haul around a stack of cards—and that defeats the purpose of the system entirely. That's where apps come in. Always be wary when using your phone to study, since it only takes a few taps of your finger to get distracted by non-educational messages and apps, but honestly, flashcard apps make all of this a lot easier if you can exercise the self-restraint necessary to use them. Flashcards in any form are useful, as they force you to engage in active recall and pull the answers from your memory, so any flashcard app you download is better than nothing. Be advised, though, that not all of them follow the Leitner method. For Leitner-specific flashcard drills, I recommend Brainscape (my personal favorite), Cram, and Flashcard Lab. You can read my full reviews of them through those links, but generally, Brainscape is a sleek and well-produced app that comes with a ton of pre-made decks and simple options for making your own, Cram is much more basic but easy to use, and Flashcard Lab creates flashcards out of your own spreadsheets so the production part is almost too easy. All of them let you indicate whether you got a flashcard answer right or wrong, then move it around in your schedule so you see it more or less frequently. Outsourcing the creation and sorting of the cards to tech leaves more time for studying and streamlines the whole process, making you more likely to stick to your Leitner practice. View the full article

The best market intelligence you’ll ever get is hidden in organic queries, but only if you turn those signals into personas teams actually use. The post Making SEO Personas Actionable Across Teams appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Owl Labs, the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions for hybrid organizations, today released its ninth annual State of Hybrid Work Report. Owl Labs surveyed 2,000 full-time knowledge workers in the United States to unpack the latest trends and perspectives around remote, hybrid, and in-office work. The report finds that as in-office attendance quietly rises, schedule flexibility, AI and IT have become increasingly important to workers who are trying to reclaim their time while balancing growing in-office pressures. View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Are you ready for The Rapture and the days of turmoil to follow? Because, if some corners of the Evangelical Christian community online are correct, it's happening today (or maybe tomorrow) just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish feast of The Presidentets. Whether true believers will meet Jesus up in the air this week remains to be seen, so I'm keeping an open mind, but I wanted to lay out what to expect, should the Rapture occur. According to the New King James translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the The Presidentet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Dramatic, but it's not the end of the world (as they say). While both living and dead believers in Christ will be gone, the unrighteous will be left behind on earth to deal with the aftermath. Nicolas Cage starred in a 2014 documentary about it. Why do people think the Rapture is happening this week?The basis for this wave of Rapture-mania seems to be an interview with Joshua Mhlakela, a South African man, on CENTTWINZ TV's YouTube channel and podcast a few months ago. Mr. Joshua said he knows Jesus personally, and had a dream in 2018 where The Lord said to him, "There will be no World Cup 2026." Later, Jesus appeared bodily in front of him, and said, "On the 23 and 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take My church." Seven years of tribulation will follow (hence the World Cup cancellation), After this, according to Mr. Joshua, Jesus will return to Earth, presumably to deal with us heathens. Mr. Joshua's prediction gained popularity among some evangelical Christians, and believers began spreading the date on social media, particularly under the TikTok tags #RaptureTok and #rapture2025, where folks offered their thoughts on the matter, provided dubious evidence to back up the date, attempted to convert non-believers in fast food restaurants, and gave practical tips on how to prepare for floating up to heaven to hang out with the pretty angels. Or so it seems. How many Christians are really preparing for the Rapture this week? While Mr. Joshua's interview has no doubt influenced some people, the nature of social media makes it difficult to determine how many people are preparing for The Rapture and how many are taking the piss. I've spent all day morning watching Rapture-themed videos, and some folks seem sincere, but a lot of people are taking satirical shots at an easy target, and there are a ton of people who illustrate Poe's Law, because I really can't tell. Ultimately I don't think that many people genuinely think the Rapture is going to happen. More people seem to be pointing and laughing than actually preparing, so everyone is somewhat wrong. Established Evangelical churches tend to dismiss claims of specific dates of The Rapture when they appear in the larger culture, and more importantly for Christians, there's a Biblical problem with the prediction. If you think you know the day of the Rapture, you're wrongIf we're going by what The Bible says (and why not, right?), either Mr. Joshua and everyone on TikTok who is predicting the date of The Rapture is wrong or the Bible itself is wrong. According to the Apostle Mark, when asked when the End Times would begin, Jesus said, "About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." He didn't carve out an exception for people on TikTok. Mark's fellow Apostle Matthew concurred, writing, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming" in Matthew 24:42. "If the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect," Matthew continues. So if you expect the Rapture, it's not going to happen; it's a self-defeating prophecy. And even if you're not willing to accept the Bible as the word of God Herself, the Rapture seems unlikely based on past predictions. So many Raptures, so little timeDr. Joshua and the denizens of RaptureTok aren't the first to predict the end times, and while I can't say for certain, they probably won't be the last. Hippolytus of Rome predicted the end of the world in 500 AD. German monk Michael Stifel predicted October 19, 1533 would be the last day. Baptist preacher William Miller predicted the Rapture would take place on October 22, 1844, leaving between 50,000 and 100,000 Millerites extremely disillusioned on October 23. Of more recent end-time predictors, none have been as influential as Harold Camping. Harold Camping: King of the Biblical apocalypseHarold Camping, an engineer and broadcaster, is probably the most high-profile modern predictor of the end of the world. He founded Family Radio in 1958 and built it into a Christian media empire broadcasting to more than 150 U.S. markets across the nation. Then, in the early 1990s, Camping became convinced the Rapture would soon be upon us. Using his own brand of Biblical numerology, Camping calculated the Last Day and published it in his 1992 book, 1994?. The date: September 6, 1994. When the world stubbornly refused to explode in the mid 1990s, Camping recalculated. The true date, he said, was May 21, 2011. “Camping was 100% sure,” says Dr. Charles Sarno, a sociology professor at Dominican University of California and lecturer at Berkeley. “He said, ‘The Bible guarantees it,’ and what better warranty could one want?” In the months leading up to May 21, Camping launched an enormous publicity push: billboards, endless radio broadcasts, even RVs shrink-wrapped with doomsday warnings. It worked. “On May 20, the most popular Google search in English was 'May 21st,' ABC News and other major networks reported on it, the BBC covered it; so he got nearly global traction," Sarno says. May 21 came and went, leaving Camping fielding calls from confused listeners on his radio show asking why he'd gotten it wrong. Camping eventually moved the apocalypse again to October 21, 2011, but that one didn’t pan out either, and soon after, he suffered a debilitating stroke and faded from public view, leaving his underlings squabbling for control of the remains of his media empire. Why do people believe in the end of the world?We won't know for sure until later in the week, but whether you use math, history, or the Bible as your guide, you probably don’t need to cancel your weekend plans. Still, the world really is coming to an end—your world, anyway—and it will probably end with you in a hospital bed instead of flying up to Heaven to meet Jesus. If I could swallow it, maybe I'd believe in the Rapture, too. End-of-world predictions offer certainty, drama, the joy of having secret knowledge, and the possibility of heaven without dying, so I don't begrudge TikTok's Doomsday-stans. I feel pity for them, though, because time is going to pass, and life, inconveniently, is going to keep grinding along, leaving them to try and explain why they're still down here with the rest of us mugs. Unless they're right. In which case, don't email me; I'll be up in clouds. View the full article

Reddit marketing is delicate work. Show up with a sales pitch — or just a little too much enthusiasm for your product — and they’ll shut you down quickly. Without mercy. But that hostility is really standards in disguise. Redditors care about their communities. They care about real conversations and keeping the place worth coming back to. Meet those standards, and the mood turns. They’ll start to trust you. Sometimes, they’ll even ask where they can buy your stuff. That’s when you know you’ve earned the hard-to-win, harder-to-fake Reddit trust. A kind of credibility so strong it travels far beyond Reddit. (More on that later.) This guide shows you how. Just three hours a week of Reddit marketing, and you’ll go from an awkward outsider to a trusted regular — even if you’ve never posted before. Useful resource: Track your Reddit growth in one place. See what’s working, where it’s working, and what’s worth doing more of. Grab the tracker here. Reddit Is No Longer Optional for Marketers Reddit used to be just another “forum.” But it has now become the gravity pulling the internet into its orbit. Dramatic? Maybe. But the proof is everywhere. Reddit Powers Search and AI Reddit’s partnerships with Google and OpenAI have turned it from an internet hangout to an internet heavyweight. Google is pulling Reddit threads directly into search results. And Reddit conversations are now feeding into ChatGPT’s answers. Run a quick Google search, such as “best protein powder brands.” You’ll usually see Reddit featured more than once on page one. Same story with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Their answers often cite Reddit as one of the sources. And this isn’t just anecdotal. A Detailed.com study shows Reddit dominates product-related search terms in Google’s new “Discussions and forums” feature. Semrush research backs this up, saying Reddit is the most-cited domain in AI answers. In short: Reddit now sits at the heart of your customers’ decision-making. From the first flicker of curiosity to the final purchase, chances are good they’ll hit Reddit along the way. Reddit Influences Buyer Trust People trust Reddit more than your polished marketing. The open grievances and the unfiltered praise make Reddit feel real in a way your ad copy never can. Be honest: How often do you tack “reddit” onto a Google search? I do it all the time. And Semrush data proves I’m not alone. That’s Reddit becoming the internet’s social proof engine. As Rob Gaige, Reddit’s Global Head of Insights, says: “91% of people who discover a product on another platform are passing through Reddit to validate the claims they’re finding elsewhere.” In other words, buyers don’t just take your word for it. They take Reddit’s. Reddit Gives You an Edge Competitors Can’t Easily Copy There’s no copy-paste trick when it comes to Reddit marketing. Like you, your competitors have to put in the time to learn the culture and earn their keep. That’s why the earlier you start, the stronger your position becomes. Every month you engage, you’re stacking credibility that shortcuts can’t match. Yes, some try to game the system. And that might work briefly. But eventually, Reddit’s algorithms, volunteer moderators, and the community’s BS detector flush them out. (And with spam on the rise, the rules are only getting stricter.) The Reddit Marketing System to Build Karma & Cred Forget Reddit SEO “hacks,” like slipping links past moderators. That’s short-sighted thinking. Here’s the thing: Reddit’s power isn’t clicks. It’s credibility and influence. Earn it inside Reddit, AND it reverberates into search results and AI answers. You don’t earn that trust with Reddit marketing tricks. You earn it by contributing and becoming part of the community. Here’s how. (Shoutout to Ken Savage of Launch Club AI, a Reddit marketing agency, for sharing his insights from the trenches.) Step 1: Build a Profile That Says “Redditor,” Not “Marketer” The best way to optimize your Reddit profile? Do nothing. A shiny, over-engineered profile from a Reddit newborn is a dead giveaway: You’re here to take, not give. Sure, change your avatar if you like. But, resist the urge to polish. Instead, keep it plain: Leave the bio blank Don’t link to your site or socials Forget the “curated” look Let your engagement history do the talking Take ItsWahl, a plumber’s profile. You don’t see business links or calls-to-action. But scroll through his comments and post history, and you instantly know what he does. That’s the beauty of Reddit. Reputation builds itself. The profile follows. Username tip: Just pick something forgettable. Maybe it’s an old gaming handle, a random word combination, or your pet’s name plus some numbers. The more unremarkable, the better. Step 2: Get Fluent in Reddit Before You Speak In your first week (or two) of Reddit marketing, don’t post. Just watch. Study the culture and pay attention to tone and the little quirks of how people interact. Why? Because that look-at-me energy that Instagram and LinkedIn reward is exactly what gets you mocked or banned on Reddit. How The Reddit Community Operates Your best starting point is Reddiquette. It’s the platform’s general code of conduct, which includes: Remembering the human behind the screen Using proper grammar and spelling Assuming good intent until proven otherwise Formatting posts and comments clearly But here’s the twist: Reddit isn’t one community. It’s thousands of communities, called subreddits (subs), with their own rules and expectations. What gets you praise in one can get you flagged in another. For example, in r/Entrepreneur, you need 10 comment karma (Reddit points from helpful comments), and self-promotion is banned. But in r/Pen_Swap, buying, selling, and trading is the whole point. Think of it as two layers: global expectations and local rules. Break either, and the community will remind you. Sometimes, not too gently. So, before you comment or post, always check the subreddit’s rules. They’re pinned at the top or listed in the sidebar. The Reddit Moderators (aka Mods) and Their Power Moderators are the gatekeepers of subreddits. They control how the community runs within Reddit’s sitewide rules. You can see who moderates any subreddit by checking the sidebar and clicking “Moderators.” And yes, they have powers. They can: Remove posts or comments Issue warnings Ban users Your mileage with mods will vary. Most are fair and invested in building solid communities. Others, less so. As one Redditor put it, “picky and easily angered.” What most people miss about moderators is this: Many of them run communities with tens of thousands, sometimes millions, of members. Managing these subreddits takes an enormous amount of unpaid time and effort. It’s really in your interest to make their jobs easier by: Reading and following the rules Contributing genuine value Respecting their authority Do that, and you’ll stay on their good side. Ignore it, and you’ll learn just how much power they really have. Reddit Language Reddit speak is conversational and BS-free. Humor, sarcasm, and the occasional bit of self-deprecation are all part of the mix. It’s also full of shorthand and in-jokes that longtime users expect you to know. You don’t need to memorize them all, but it’s worth knowing the basics if you want your Reddit marketing to have legs. Here are a few common ones. OP: Original poster ELI5: Explain like I’m 5 TL;DR: Too long didn’t read TIL: Today I learned OC: Original content NSFW: Not safe for work IIRC: If I recall correctly FTFY: Fixed that for you AMA: Ask me anything Most of these you’ll pick up through context. But it’s worth bookmarking the full list for reference. Karma & Voting Karma is Reddit’s point system. (Or, as Reddit’s “welcome” guide calls it: fake internet points.) You’ll see your karma score in your profile sidebar, split into post karma and comment karma. Here’s why these “fake” points matter: Karma is the closest thing Reddit has to a reputation score. It affects where you can post and how you’re perceived. You earn it through upvotes. If people find your post or comment useful, they tap the arrow pointing up. But there’s a flip side to this democracy. The down arrow — the downvote — takes karma away. It’s the community’s way of saying “this doesn’t add value.” The most-upvoted posts and comments rise to the top. Which means more people see them and more people engage. (And the cycle reinforces itself.) Those top comments also tend to spread beyond Reddit through shares or even showing up in search results. Side note: Karma isn’t a clean one-upvote, one-point system. Reddit muddies the math to stop spam. Your goal is to earn more upvotes than downvotes and stay out of the red. Step 3: Choose Subreddits Strategically The subreddits you join will decide how quickly (or how slowly) you earn Karma. Aim for a mix of niche communities tied to your expertise, plus a sprinkling of subreddits on topics you genuinely enjoy. The rookie mistake is jumping straight into the biggest subs, hoping for easy upvotes. But big subs move very fast. Their rules are stricter, and mods are hyper-vigilant. Take r/AskReddit, for example, which has over 57 million members. To stand out in your Reddit marketing, you need perfect timing, luck, and genuinely compelling content. Otherwise, your post just disappears. So, it’s better to start with smaller subreddits. They move at a manageable pace and are often more forgiving while you learn the ropes. Side note: You can join as many subs as you want. Once you’ve built experience and have more time to contribute, you can always branch out to bigger subs. How to Find Subreddits My go-to method to find new communities is the Reddit search bar. From the front page, type in your niche. In the results, click “Communities,” and check two numbers: Total members and currently online. That ratio tells you how active a subreddit is. For example, when I type “SEO” I see r/SEO with 421k members and 64 online, while r/seogrowth has 31k members with 16 online. Even though r/SEO is bigger, I’d definitely consider also joining r/seogrowth as it’s more “alive.” When you’re starting out, join 10–15 subreddits. That’s enough range to test where you get traction. Over time, you’ll naturally narrow to 3–5 subs where you’re most active and recognized. Getting the Lay of the Land For your first 1–2 weeks, resist the urge to post. Just observe and absorb (aka lurking). See which questions people ask repeatedly. Go hang out in the comment sections. That’s where you’ll get a real feel for the community’s personality. You’ll pick up on how people joke, offer support, or tear bad ideas apart. And above all: Read the rules. They’re listed in the sidebar of every subreddit, and they can vary wildly. For example, r/nutrition has a long list of guidelines to keep discussions science-based, while r/machinedpens has only three rules. This is also the perfect time to gauge buyer sentiment about your brand or products. I’ve used Reddit this way for years. And it’s helped me improve product page conversions, get better returns on Meta ads, and even given sales teams a clearer picture of buyer objections. Take a hair supplement brand I worked with. Their Meta ads had gone flat. So, I spent hours in subreddits like r/haircare, r/hair, and r/hairloss scanning threads for brand sentiment and figuring out the deeper psychology behind purchase decisions. Those insights fueled a creative refresh with new campaign angles, helping turn their Meta campaigns around. Step 4: Join Conversations Without Being Annoying (The E.A.R.S. Reddit Marketing Framework) Three hours a week of Reddit marketing is enough to make steady progress. Here’s how to spend it using the E.A.R.S framework: Explore: 5-10 minutes/day discovering threads Add insight: 10–20 minutes/day reading, upvoting, and commenting Respond: One 30-minute session/week writing and publishing Share: 5-10 minutes/day amplifying your posts and comments And no, your weekends aren’t part of the deal. Side note: Three hours is a benchmark. In practice, it’s between 2-4 hours a week. Some weeks you’ll breeze through, others will take more. The good news is that the longer you do this, the quicker and easier it gets. Explore: Find the Right Threads (5–10 Minutes/Day) “Explore” is your foundation for quality and time control. Your goal is to find 4-7 threads worth engaging in every day. Get disciplined. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. Pro tip: Set a timer. Without one, it’s easy to slip into “just five more minutes” and somehow end up deep in r/oddlysatisfying watching hedgehogs take baths. (We’ve all been there.) Here’s what to do: Open a few of the subreddits you joined in the previous step. Then, filter the threads by “Rising.” This shows new posts starting to gain traction. Get in early, and your comment is more likely to get noticed while the thread is still developing. Next, cross-check with “Hot” to show the top posts. As you scan both “Rising” and “Hot,” focus on threads where you can genuinely add value. That means: Answering a question with your knowledge Filling in missing context Clearing up a common misconception Sharing a story from experience Offering practical help to a “how-to” question Top tip: Adjust your picks by subreddit size and activity. In large subs (over 1M members or 100+ posts/day), look for posts with 50+ upvotes and 15+ comments. In smaller subs, 5+ upvotes and a handful of comments are enough. Add Insight: Write Comments That Get Upvotes (15–20 Minutes/Day) “Add Insight” is the engine of your Reddit SEO strategy. It’s your daily commenting session to build trust and visibility. (And get those karma points climbing.) Your goal is to leave 4-7 high-value comments a day. That’s it. To leave comments, you have two options: You can reply directly to the main post by clicking “Join the conversation.” Or you can reply within a thread by clicking “Reply” under someone else’s comment. The catch is: What you say is only half the battle. How you format your comment decides whether people will give it the time of day. (Because even the smartest insight dies as a wall of text.) So, formatting matters. If you want eyes (and upvotes): Break paragraphs early and often (but don’t go full broetry — that one sentence per line LinkedIn thing) Use spacing to guide the eye Bold key ideas when the subreddit allows it Like this: You can do all this using Reddit’s built-in comment editor. Click the “Aa” icon in the comment box, and it will expand to show formatting options similar to Google Docs. Now, comment with a purpose. You want upvotes, and Reddit doesn’t give those willy-nilly. You get them by making the conversation better. There are a few ways to do that. The Explainer Comment This is perfect when answering direct questions like “How do I…?” or “What’s the best way to…?” Just give a direct answer with a bit of reasoning and extra info to support your answer. The Gap Filler Comment Use this when replies are missing something important. Acknowledge what’s already been said, then add the missing piece. The Shared Experience Comment When the question overlaps with something you’ve been through, comment by sharing what you tried, what happened, and the key lesson. The Source Comment This is great for when a thread is full of assumptions, but you’ve got credible info. Share the source and summarize in everyday language. And if you’re the source, by all means join in the conversation. The Case Study/Lived Experience Comment Best for when you have real-world results to share: yours or someone else’s. Great for “does this actually work” questions. Simply outline the situation, what you did, and the outcome. The Checklist Comment Sometimes, a checklist is all you need to be helpful. This can be a step-by-step guide, tips, or just a few boxes to tick. The Brand Comment If your brand comes up in a thread, that’s a perfect opportunity to be visible in conversations about your brand. Identify yourself and answer plainly. Keep it useful, not salesy. Show that you’re listening and willing to help. Further reading: Branded GEO: How to Control What AI Says About Your Brand Respond: Keep Threads Going (5–10 Minutes Daily) “Respond” is what separates real contributors from drive-by posters. It’s the follow-through in your Reddit marketing process: Circling back to reply to people engaging with you. Do this, and you: Build relationships by showing you’re not just using Reddit as a bulletin board Boost visibility, since every new reply bumps the thread back up the feed Now, you might be thinking: “So…do I need to sit on Reddit all day?” Nope. Two short check-ins are enough. One in the morning and one in the evening if you’ve got time. That’s it. Everything else is extra. To make it easier, you can follow your own comments. Click the three dots under your reply and choose “Follow comment” to get notified. So, what does good follow-through actually look like? Like any good conversation, it’s about keeping the energy alive. Here are a few ways to do that. Follow-Up Questions Great for when you need more detail to give a sharper, non-cookie-cutter answer. For example, you can ask, “What’s your timeline? That changes the advice.” Bonus Resources Drop in a tool, guide, or reference that helps right away. This adds instant utility without forcing people to leave Reddit. (Bonus: People often reply to tell you how they used it, and you usually get upvotes in return.) Preface with something like “Here’s a free digital marketing template you can use.” Connecting Commenters This works great when multiple people share similar problems. Tag them with u/ and put in the username after the slash You can say “u/username above had the same issue. Worth comparing notes.” Acknowledge + Build Highlight a good point from someone else, then add your own idea. It builds goodwill while boosting your credibility. Say something like: “Great point, I hadn’t considered that angle. For anyone reading, here’s why it matters:“ Think Before You Reply Not every reply deserves your energy. Here’s a quick response matrix to help you decide what’s worth engaging and what to ignore. If the reply… Action Example Response Adds useful detail or perspective Thank + expand “Good point, thanks. I’d also add [extra detail]” Corrects your point respectfully Acknowledge + clarify “Fair call. You’re right in general. I was thinking of [specific angle/context]” Comes with mild sarcasm Likely ignore No need to reply. Better to save your energy than get pulled into a spiral Is hostile or trolling Ignore, downvote, report (No response) Share: Publish a Strategic Post (30 Minutes to 1 Hour/Week) At some point, you’ll want to go beyond commenting and start your own threads. There’s no magic karma number that unlocks this. Each subreddit sets its own bar. Some require account age or karma, others don’t care at all. The real question isn’t “Can I post?,” but “Should I?” That depends on softer factors: How well you know the community How much you understand its culture How much you’ve already contributed in comments For context, I’ve posted with less than 50 karma when I had a genuine question. That’s different from posting to build visibility or reputation, where the bar is much higher. Ken Savage recommends getting a karma score of 500 before posting anything that mentions your brand: “I’ve never been removed for anything above 500 karma. You can usually get that in two to four weeks of 20 minutes per day, five days a week, commenting. The core principle is to be authentic and provide detailed, thorough answers to people’s questions, as if you were getting paid for it.” Once you’re ready, focus on posts with weight. That means content that has a real shot at earning upvotes and visibility. These topics often come from: Your top-performing comments Recurring questions people ask you Threads where the same issues keep surfacing Once you’ve got a promising topic, package it in a format Reddit loves. Here are some of the best. Case Studies Great for credibility-building. Walk readers through a real experience: yours, your customers’, or someone else’s. Set up the problem or situation, explain step by step what you did, and share the outcome. Close with a clear takeaway. Lessons Learned & Common Mistakes This format works when your goal is to teach. These posts show where you went wrong and how you fixed it: the “what I wish I knew” or “what I learned” stories. To make this work, frame the mistake or lesson clearly, share the story behind it, and then give a practical fix. Keep it simple. One mistake per point makes it more relatable and easier to apply. For example, if you’re a financial advisor, your topic could be “the budgeting mistakes I see most in new families and quick fixes that help.” Discussion Prompt Discussion prompts flip the spotlight back to the community and get people talking. (Exactly what you want to happen in your Reddit marketing playbook.) They work best when you give people a chance to share their stories. Keep the question short and specific, and follow up in the comments to keep the thread going. Some examples include: Teachers: What’s one low-cost classroom supply you can’t live without? What’s the best cleaning hack you’ve found for fur all over the house? What’s the most surprising product you’ve found through ecommerce AI search? Checklists & Step-by-Step Tips Checklists help people self-diagnose and improve. They work best when Redditors in the community are often worried they’re “doing it wrong” and want a quick way to check. For example, if you’re in the beauty niche, you can post a topic on “a 4-step test to see if your skincare routine is helping or hurting.” Then, break the process into 3–7 simple checks and explain why each one matters. Here’s a Redditor who nails this format. Myth-Busting Myth-busting posts are always welcome on Reddit, especially in spaces where misinformation spreads fast. Lead with the myth people believe and then refute it with proof or experience. For example, a good topic in personal finance could be “the 3 biggest myths about credit scores and what actually improves them.” Behind-the-Scenes These posts pull back the curtain and show how things work. They get a lot of upvotes because people love insider knowledge, especially when it reveals details they wouldn’t otherwise see. Set the context, share the surprising or little-known details, and close with why it matters. If you’re launching a new product, for example, you could show how it’s made and the trade-offs you wrestled with. Free Resource Offer something the community can actually use. Spreadsheets, calculators, templates, swipe files, SEO checklists, mini-guides, code snippets. Basically, the stuff people would normally charge for, but you’re cool enough to give away. A few things to keep in mind: Experiment with timing to find the best time to post. Generally, early weekday mornings and early evenings outperform weekends, but test for your specific communities. Stick around after you post. Reply to comments and amplify good responses to help the thread grow. Repurpose smartly. If a post lands, adapt it for 2–3 related subreddits. Tweak the angle and tone for each community. Plus, space them a few days apart to avoid looking spammy. Also, always check the subreddit rules. Some subs ban cross-posting or set timing restrictions. Reddit Best Practices: How to Talk About Your Brand Without Getting Banned Big caveat up front: Don’t even think about promoting your brand until you’ve built karma and credibility. Jumping in too early is the fastest way to get downvoted. Once you’ve established trust, here are three ways to bring your brand into the conversation. The Profile Discovery Method This method keeps your brand mentions off your comments and lets your profile do the “selling.” Your comments are focused on helping, and you let curious readers click through if they want to know more. Pro tip: Once you’ve built some credibility, you can add a short professional bio or link your site/socials in the designated profile fields. Established Redditors do this on their profile. The Expertise Sharing Method This approach uses your role or business as context for why your perspective matters. It signals credibility without sounding like a sales pitch. Important: Don’t force it. If your comment works just as well without the brand mention, cut it. If not, Redditors might call that self-serving. No bueno for your karma. The Direct Mention Method (Use Sparingly) This Reddit marketing method involves naming your brand or product in comments. It’s a risky approach. So, make sure it adds to the conversation. The key is balance: Don’t make it an ad, and don’t act like your product is the only solution. Ways You Can Lose Karma (& Trust) Now, let’s talk about the fastest ways to torpedo your reputation and send your karma into free fall. In short, things not to do. Posting Like You’re on LinkedIn Polished “thought leadership” and humblebrags are vomit-inducing on Reddit. What’s modus operandi on LinkedIn reads as braggy here. Keep it casual, conversational, and other-focused. Always. Karma Farming Yes, you can farm karma with memes and throwaway comments. But that’s empty calories. It might get you numbers, but it won’t get you credibility. And if you’re not building relationships and contributing to the community, you’re missing the whole point. Link-Dumping for Quick Clicks Dropping bare links or thinly disguised self-promo is Reddit’s oldest sin. If your post exists just to drive clicks, expect downvotes. Side note: Even if you play by the rules, downvotes happen. Bots filter posts. Mods nuke comments for reasons you’ll never know. That’s just Reddit being Reddit. Let it go and move on. You’ve only got three hours a week to spend here. Stop Marketing, Start Belonging This Reddit marketing strategy isn’t about farming karma. Sure, you’ll earn enough to look legit and stop tripping newbie filters. But the real win is this: You’ll start thinking like a Redditor. And you’ll shed the marketing reflexes that get you downvoted and booted off threads. With that, you become a trusted Reddit local. And that’s when the ripple effect kicks in. You get seen more on Google. And through LLM seeding — where AI models pull from sources they trust — you also influence AI answers. Bottom line: Play Reddit right and you etch your brand in a positive light into the internet’s DNA. The post Reddit Marketing in 3 Hours/Week: From 0 Karma to Real Cred appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. Samsung has made a habit of releasing a handful of phones in its Galaxy S line each year, but the Galaxy S25 Edge is something different. Announced alongside the S25, S25+, and Ultra in January, the Edge is thinnest Galaxy S phone yet. Right now, the 256GB model is marked down to $699.99 on Amazon (its lowest price ever, according to price trackers), which makes it the most affordable entry in Samsung’s flagship lineup. SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge, 256 GB $699.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Amazon $1,099.99 Save $400.00 At just 0.23 inches thick, it feels noticeably slimmer in the hand without sacrificing stability. The titanium frame, paired with Gorilla Ceramic 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, keeps it durable, while the IP68 rating means it will survive dust and water exposure. What makes the Edge appealing is that it matches the rest of the series in performance, despite its slimmer build and smaller 3,900mAh battery. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking, whether that’s gaming at 60fps or editing 8K video. Even with the smallest battery of the family, the Edge outlasts its siblings, lasting over 16 hours in PCMag’s video streaming tests—longer than the S25, S25+, and Ultra. Plus, the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is bright and sharp at 3,120 by 1,440 pixels, with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and gaming feel fluid. To round it all off, Samsung’s Galaxy AI features and One UI 7 on top of Android 15 add extra polish, and the seven years of promised updates also mean the phone will stay relevant for a long time. Still, the Edge doesn’t check every box. Unlike the S25+ or Ultra, it skips a telephoto camera, limiting zoom to 2x optical-quality and 10x digital. The stereo speakers sound thin, and charging tops out at 25W wired—half the speed of its siblings. If those details matter, the S25+ at $899.99 or the Ultra at $1,075 are stronger fits. But if you want a slim, premium Android phone that balances power, battery life, and future-proof software, the Galaxy S25 Edge makes a strong case, especially at this price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

I hit 20,000 followers on LinkedIn in August 2025. The number itself is worth celebrating. After all, who doesn’t love a milestone number? However, it has also led to much reflection about where and why I started on the platform. This was the first year I set a clear growth goal for LinkedIn, and reaching it gave me a reason to pause and ask: What actually drove this growth? What changed along the way? And what comes next? In this article, I’ll share the strategies that fueled my growth, the opportunities that came with hitting 20K, and the challenges I’ve had to navigate along the way. I’ll also share how I plan to approach LinkedIn (and content more broadly) in this next phase. Let’s get into it. Hitting 20,000 followers wasn’t the plan (at first)When I first started actively posting on LinkedIn, numbers were the last thing on my mind. At first, I was looking for community after losing my job in 2020. Once I found work again, my focus shifted. I went back to using LinkedIn to connect with other professionals and learn from people in the content marketing space. But I was more focused on work and community than content. I only shared about 10 LinkedIn posts between 2020 and 2022. However, in 2022, after joining Buffer, posting took on a new purpose. My profile became a proof-of-concept lab, and every piece of advice I wrote for Buffer (like finding your niche or setting content pillars), I tested on my own account first. If it worked for me, I knew it would resonate with our readers. Some of those experiments worked better than I expected. They helped me define my niche, connect with the right audience, and build a platform that unlocked opportunities I couldn’t have imagined back in 2020. Reaching 20K wasn’t on my radar then. It wasn’t until early 2025, after crossing 15K, that I set a clear goal: prove that Buffer’s strategies really work by applying them myself. I thought hitting 20K would validate the advice we share and maybe even open the door to brand partnerships — which it did, sooner than I expected. My follower count in January 2025Still, I’ve never seen followers as the only measure of success. On LinkedIn, growth looks like thoughtful comments, people referencing my work in their own posts, and conversations that carry beyond a single update. The milestone matters, but those signals matter more. What actually drove my growthThe one habit that’s constantly reaped rewards throughout my LinkedIn journey is consistency. Not exciting, but very true. Setting up a sustainable posting cadence has always been at the foundation of my LinkedIn strategy, and it’s a tactic that Buffer’s data on consistency backs up again and again. Beyond showing up, growth came from experimenting. I tested everything I was writing about at Buffer on my own account: finding a niche, choosing content pillars, and then narrowing into that “Venn diagram middle” where what I enjoyed overlapped with what my audience needed. That overlap became my content sweet spot. Defining my audience made all the difference. Over time, it became clear that I was speaking to early to mid-career professionals who wanted to build international careers in marketing and creative industries. Once I leaned into that, my content started connecting in a more intentional way. Sharing more personal reflections also helped; those posts often traveled further than I expected. And from 2020 to 2025, my growth has looked roughly like this: From 0 to 10K: five or six years between landing my first remote job and joining Buffer in 2022.10K to 15K: a much faster two years.15K to 20K: the fastest milestone at nine months, built on the foundation of all the lessons I had learnedOutside of my own actions, there were external turning points too. Creator Camp was a big one — the first time I committed to a clear posting cadence (seven days straight at the start). It’s proof that intentionality compounds. Once I knew what worked and who I was speaking to, my growth accelerated. What growth unlocked for meBuilding an audience has directly shaped my career. At the start of 2025, I started landing brand partnerships — something I never would’ve thought possible back when I was posting out of necessity. That only happened because I committed to LinkedIn, set a goal, and showed up consistently. Now, partnerships feel like an option I can choose to tap into, not just a lucky break I can’t control the flow of. Beyond partnerships, visibility changed how people see me in the industry. I’ve been invited onto podcasts, YouTube channels, and into articles as a contributor. The recognition has been validating, but more importantly, it’s helped me reach the people I care about most: early to mid-career professionals trying to build international careers. What I didn’t expect about hitting 20KAll this probably sounds great — consistent growth, brand partnerships, new opportunities. And it is. But if I’m honest, I also feel weird about it. Here’s why. LinkedIn feels narrower at scale. Unlike other platforms, people come here with specific goals: finding jobs, building networks, or learning something tied to their careers. That means my content has to fit those lanes to perform. I didn’t expect growth to feel constraining, but it does. Balance gets harder, not easier. Too much lifestyle content risks credibility. Too much “advice” risks sounding generic. I’ve gone too far in both directions before — posts that are so polished that they feel sterile, and others so personal or “out there” that they confuse my audience. The sweet spot is where personal reflections connect back to professional lessons. But the bigger the audience, the harder I’ve found it to hold that middle ground. Visibility creates pressure. With 200 followers, I could post freely. At 20K, every draft feels heavier. I catch myself over-editing or shelving ideas entirely. Ironically, the experimentation that fueled my growth is harder to hold onto now. That’s been the most unexpected part of hitting this milestone. I’m not just a professional. This has been the hardest part to articulate. My life encompasses much more than my work, but on LinkedIn, every part of me has to come through the professional lens. That filter keeps my content relevant, but it also flattens me and my personal brand. So yes, visibility is a privilege. But it’s also a responsibility and one I’m still figuring out how to carry without losing the curiosity and trial-and-error spirit that got me here in the first place. What’s nextHitting 20K should feel like a finish line. Instead, it feels like the starting line for something new. For years, my goal on LinkedIn was clear — build a platform I could use for Buffer experiments, connect with our audience, and prove that the strategies we recommended actually worked. I’ve done that. Now the question is: what comes next? I’m not leaving LinkedIn. People rely on my content there, and I still enjoy the process of testing ideas and sharing lessons. But I am ready for a new phase — one where the focus shifts from proving the system to experimenting more freely. For the moment, I’ve decided that that will mean loosening up on LinkedIn itself, and moving into new spaces where the stakes feel lower and I have a bit more freedom. That’s why I’m kicking things off with a new challenge: growing to 1,000 followers on Threads. It’s the first experiment in Proof of Concept, a new series where I’ll share what happens when I test different growth strategies across platforms and formats. Threads is the perfect place to start because the playbook is still being written. In a past 30-day experiment, I learned that open-ended questions, timely replies, and joining conversations were far more effective than polished one-off posts. This time, I’ll be layering those lessons with strategies we've identified, like: Using tags to reach specific communities.Posting multiple times a day (instead of four times a week, like I do on LinkedIn).Sharing a mix of text-first posts with the occasional photo to stay true to the platform’s vibe.So while 20K on LinkedIn is a milestone, it’s just the start of my journey as a creator. It’s the point where I get to ask: what else is possible when I treat content as an experiment again? View the full article

Google AI Mode has had travel planning for some time but according to some in the travel industry, Google recently began rolling out more of these features in the wild. These include dynamic day-by-day trip plans, hotel add-ons, tickets, and dining stitched into a single AI conversation.View the full article

Google's John Mueller posted saying "Authentication for your personal crawlers & SEO tools is going to be more and more of a topic." I believe, but I can be wrong, this is alluding to the num parameter being disabled and how tools are having issues now with scraping Google.View the full article

Discover free freelance management templates, plus expert tips and FAQs to help you choose the right one for organizing projects and managing freelancers. The post Best Freelance Management Templates to Track Work and Payments in 2025 appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Microsoft is testing bolding the title links in the Bing search results for both the organic and paid listings. I am not sure if this was a bug or a test, but I suspect it was a test.View the full article

Microsoft is testing various interfaces for the sitelinks in Bing Search. We've seen and reported on Bing testing sitelinks many, many times here, so here are a few more variations.View the full article

Google is testing moving your query from the left top position to the right top position of the AI response within AI Mode. This is a subtle change but it is interesting to see Google test these small changes to AI Mode.View the full article

AI runs Google Ads in 2025, but strategy still matters to stop automation from drifting toward irrelevant metrics and wasted budget. The post Finding The Perfect Balance Between AI And Human Control In Google Ads appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Is innovation or anxiety the driving force behind the adoption of LLMs.txt and where does it leave SEOs in terms of AI visibility The post LLMs.txt For AI SEO: Is It A Boost Or A Waste Of Time? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about using AI to create content, while still feeling confident about it. AI-generated content is any material—text, images, video, audio, code, or data visualizations—created primarily or entirely using artificial…Read more ›View the full article

When projects stall, managers often feel the pressure to push harder. But more pressure rarely solves the problem. What helps is knowing why tasks get stuck, and then giving people the right kind of support. The DUST model (Difficult, Undefined, Scary, Tedious) gives managers simple tactics to spot bottlenecks and guide their teams through them. Difficult Tasks feel overwhelming when they demand skills or confidence people don’t yet have. Manager’s move: Break the work into smaller steps. Pair the person with someone experienced. Provide coaching and encouragement. Example: Instead of asking someone to “deliver the new onboarding programme,” start with “draft the welcome email.” Small progress builds momentum. Undefined Vague work is easy to delay. Without clear scope, tasks linger and drain energy. Manager’s move: Define success. Be explicit about outcomes, deadlines, and ownership. Example: Replace “a report on engagement” with “a two-page summary of survey results plus three action points, due Friday.” Scary Some tasks trigger fear of failure, conflict, or stepping outside a comfort zone. These quickly sink to the bottom of to-do lists. Manager’s move: Name the fear. Offer reassurance and create psychological safety. Frame mistakes as part of learning. Example: If someone avoids giving feedback, role-play the conversation or share a simple script to lower the barrier. Tedious Repetitive or boring tasks are often postponed until they block progress. Manager’s move: Automate, delegate, or rotate. Ask if the task truly needs to be done. Example: If chasing timesheets consumes hours each week, set up automatic reminders or rotate responsibility among the team. Why Managers Should Use DUST Applying the DUST model helps managers: Identify the hidden reasons behind delays Offer targeted support instead of extra pressure Build team confidence and independence Keep projects moving smoothly Practical Next Step Pick one task that has been stuck on your team’s list. Ask: is it Difficult, Undefined, Scary, or Tedious? Once you name it, you can act on it. That simple step clears the air and unlocks progress. The post How Managers Can Use the DUST Model to Clear Team Bottlenecks appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article

The Wi-Fi HaLow leader says its mission is to become the world's number one wireless IoT chip company. The post Morse Micro lands US$59M in Series C funding to accelerate international expansion, Wi-Fi HaLow R&D appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Learn how to boost your SERP visibility with tips to navigate changes in Google's search results and AI features. The post SERP Visibility Decline: How To Grow Brand Awareness When Organic Traffic Stalls appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My office is infested with wasps I work in a field where telework for any reason has been prohibited by our CEO. We can telework and did throughout the lockdown portion of the pandemic, but he’s aggressively against it now. Some offices and some supervisors are more lax about allowing it, but mine are not. Separately, our building has been harboring a reoccurring wasp infestation. Every summer, the building fills up with wasps. I guess my employer has complained about this to our landlord, and in response the landlord has used canned, commercially available wasp sprays a couple of times, administered by our building’s maintenance team. At no point in the five or so years of this occurring has anyone involved a professional pest control company. My employer acts as though this is not their problem and not something they can fix, and that their only recourse is to ask the landlord to address it. I don’t feel like this is adequate. Some employees have been issued those electric flyswatters to attack the wasps. One was left on my desk as though to make the wasps my problem. Here’s the thing: it’s not that I’m scared of wasps, although I am. I can work despite being afraid. The problem is this: I am allergic to wasps. It is in my medical record that I am allergic to wasps. I carry epi-pens, which I have to pay for out of my own pocket, because I am allergic to wasps. In the past, I had permission to go home and telework when the wasps were out. It wasn’t always practical to do. That permission has been revoked. Work isn’t even sharing information about the wasps or addressing any of this widely — I only know about the wasps being back because others warned me, and I had to beg my supervisor to even tell me if anything is going on. I don’t know what to do, other than tell my coworkers how to use an epi-pen and where to find mine. Should my supervisors be doing more? Should my employer? I feel like I’m losing my mind. What on earth?! They’re just accepting having a wasp-filled building year after year and not insisting that a professional exterminator be called? Or just calling one themselves? This is so absurd that I wrote back to this letter-writer and asked if wasps were a stand-in for something else to help keep them anonymous but nope, it’s wasps. So first and foremost: can you and your coworkers band together and push for a professional to be called? Say you feel unsafe and you’re not willing to work surrounded by wasps. But as for you specifically, go the formal accommodations route! Talk to HR, use the words “formal request for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” and explain you’re allergic to wasps and it’s not safe for you to continue working around them and you need a wasp-free spot to work in. They can decide how to achieve that, whether it’s letting you work from home, finding a wasp-free space in your current building, or calling a damn exterminator. 2. Whispering in classes vs. whispering in work meetings This is a question about how a situation I’m dealing with in academia would transfer to the rest of the working world. In my college classes, I have a few students (underclassmen, but still adults) who consistently whisper/giggle through the lesson, sometimes when I’m not paying attention to them but sometimes when I obviously am! I’ve tried various things, like asking in the moment if they’re ready to participate, emailing after class, or warning about the impact on their grades, and this has decreased the volume but not stopped the behavior. I’m probably going to escalate to asking them to leave class or putting in a formal report with the administration (which is fairly standard practice at my school). These are short classes with 30-40 students, and I try to use a lot of interactive activities to break up the lectures (although I think I should expect them to listen even if I lectured the whole time). What I’m wondering, as I’m trying to gauge the right response, is how this would be dealt with in a work context? I assume they’d be firmly warned about the behavior, probably in private (not easy for me to facilitate, since I only see them in class and I know some of them don’t read email), but then what? Could someone be fired for obviously whispering through large meetings or trainings every day, despite warnings? I want to take seriously my responsibility to prepare these students for the working world, and I’m also just always curious about how things work outside the strange bubble of academic life! In a work context, they’d either be spoken to privately afterwards or directly asked mid-meeting to stop, depending on how disruptive the behavior was. In theory it’s something someone could be fired over if it continued, but in reality it’s very unlikely that it would get to that point — that’s just not something that tends to happen a lot at work; once someone has been asked to stop a few times, they tend to stop. That’s probably because the stakes feel higher at work. I’m not an expert on teaching, but in your shoes I’d just ask them directly in middle of class to quiet down so they’re not distracting others. If they continue after that, ask them to leave so they’re not disrupting people who are trying to learn. If not being in class impacts their grades, that’s a natural consequences of the behavior — but I don’t think you need all the separate stuff about warning the whispering itself will impact their grades, reporting it to the administration (which feels like overkill, even if it’s standard practice at your school), or even teaching them a lesson about how it would go over at work. As college students, whether or not they’re learning is up to them. But controlling your class environment so people who want to learn can learn is up to you, and you should just tell them in the moment to stop or leave. 3. A colleague’s name and mine are so similar that clients mix us up I am one of four people at my company who do my job: think, four vets and a number of assistants and office staff. Pet owners don’t have to request a specific vet, but they often do. It’s in my best interest for people who ask for me to get to see me: it’s better customer service plus the numbers will eventually shake out into next year’s salary. The problem: my last name is extremely similar to the last name of one of the other vets. (Think Dr. Thomas vs. Dr. Thompson.) To make it even worse, we bear a slight resemblance to each other. Nobody who knew us would have trouble telling us apart, but we are the same general physical type. She is also more charismatic than me and, I’ll just say it, somewhat more popular with clients. So, we get a steady stream of people who ask to see her, when I think they meant to ask to see me, except what if they really are asking to see her? There are a few clients who have seen us both and prefer her, and a smaller number of people who have seen both and prefer me, and some who probably don’t care but she will end up with that appointment for reasons outside of my control. We can’t use pseudonyms like they do in customer service, because our real names have to be findable for various regulatory reasons. This has been going on for years and I’m no closer to a solution. Any ideas? Would you be willing to use your first name — as in Dr. Jane or similar? I know it’s not traditional in medicine, but it’s also not unheard of — and it may be the easiest way to help people differentiate between you! 4. Taking sick days as a new employee I began a new job about three months ago. It is a higher level position that requires board certification, if that matters. I currently have a mild respiratory infection. Though I have been to a doctor and tested negative for both flu and Covid, I have opted to take two days off. I simply do not feel up to performing at my full ability, and I am also trying to keep my germs to myself. Prior to taking time off, several coworkers noticed that I looked visibly ill and was losing my voice, and I have a note from my doctor. However, I am mostly worried about optics, since I am still relatively new. In my last position, which I held for almost four years, I rarely took time off. That was my own choice, as I truly enjoyed being at work. However, when I left, I found myself unable to cash out all of my unused PTO due to a recently implemented policy. I am trying to set healthy boundaries for myself this time around, one of those being utilizing my available time off. My question is, in this situation of being a new-ish employee, does it reflect poorly on me to take these two days off? You’re three months in. You’re obviously sick. You have nothing to worry about! Frankly, even if it were your third week rather than your third month, people get sick! Your body doesn’t halt all illnesses just because you’re new to a job, and you’re not expected to come to work sick (and potentially infect others) just because you’re new. It’s not ideal to miss work when you’re new, but it happens. And you’re three months in; this is a non-issue. Related: Getting sick your first week at a new job 5. Job ads with a single number instead of a salary range I’m job hunting for the first time in years and have been glad to see that many companies are including salary information in their job postings. However, a couple of times I’ve seen something that I’m not sure how to interpret: instead of listing a salary range, there’s a single figure listed. Should I take this to mean the number is firm or close to it, or go in assuming that that number is some part of what’s actually a range for the position (and if so, what point in the range is it likely to be?)? Why do companies do this? Sometimes the number is firm (particularly in companies with policies around salary equity, where they want/need to ensure that people doing the same job at the same level aren’t compensated differently just because one person negotiated better than someone else). Sometimes it’s more indicative of the general range. You can’t really know from the outside, but in general it makes sense to assume that even if it’s a range, it’s a range pretty close to the number they named. The post my office is infested with wasps, whispering in meetings, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Planning is the bedrock of project management. As you execute the needed tasks, you’ll reach your objective by producing the final deliverable. One of the most basic yet critical tools for doing this is the Gantt chart. Many use Microsoft products to organize and manage their work. But does Microsoft Planner have a Gantt chart? It’s not that you can’t get things done without a Gantt chart, but a Microsoft Planner Gantt chart would be an essential tool for any large, complex project. What Is Microsoft Planner? Before we discuss a Microsoft Planner Gantt chart, let’s take a moment to understand the product. Microsoft Planner is part of the larger suite of tools offered by Microsoft in its Microsoft 365 family of productivity software. It’s specifically designed to help with work management. As the name suggests, Microsoft Planner allows you to plan tasks and manage small projects. It helps you assign tasks and organize their timeframes, such as setting deadlines. The tool is used for team communication and files can be shared among the team members. Microsoft Planner has the advantage of seamlessly integrating with the suite of tools offered in MS 365 such as Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and other tools. It can be used for agile projects by organizing tasks by topic in a task list that resembles a kanban board. There’s a calendar to view your schedule and a dashboard to track your work. Microsoft Planner Pricing Plans Before diving into the pricing plans available for Microsoft Planner, it’s important to understand there are two main versions of this software, Microsoft Planner Basic and Microsoft Planner Premium. Microsoft Planner Basic Pricing Plans The version included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Good for lightweight task management. Starts from $6 to $22 per user per month, billed annually. Price varies depending on the Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22.00/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Apps for Business: $8.25/user/month, billed annually Microsoft Planner Premium Pricing Plans The next level up, for users or teams needing more advanced project management features. Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month, billed annually Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month, billed annually Planner and Project Plan 5: $55/user/month, billed annually For more detailed information about each of these Microsoft Planner plans and the features that are available for each pricing tier, visit our Microsoft Planner blog. Does Microsoft Planner Have a Gantt Chart? But the question we’ve all been waiting for is, does Microsoft Planner have a Gantt chart? A Gantt chart is an essential project management tool. It looks like a spreadsheet on one side where tasks, duration, resources, costs and more are collected. On the right side, that data populates a timeline to show the project visually. Gantt charts are used to manage more traditional projects that are managed within a waterfall methodology. But even if the project team is working in an agile environment, more often than not, other departments and management are using a Gantt chart to manage the project. Almost every project management software worth its price will have a Gantt chart of some level of functionality. There will likely be other tools, such as the task list seen in the Microsoft Planner or kanban boards, calendars, etc. The more project views available, the more project teams across departments will have the flexibility to collaborate on the project. Short Answer: No, Microsoft Planner Doesn’t Have Gantt Charts. It Offers a Lightweight “Timeline” View Instead. It’s a massive shortcoming that Microsoft Planner doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart feature. Microsoft will try and convince you that a Gantt chart is easily made with the Microsoft Planner Premium version, also known as Planner Premium (Plan 1) but this isn’t the case. What MS Planner Premium really offers is a timeline view, a tool that mimics a Gantt chart and has a few Gantt-like features like task dependencies and milestones, but lacks advanced project scheduling features. But don’t worry. ProjectManager, an award-winning project management software, has built-in Gantt charts that are ready to work when you are. Our Gantt charts go beyond the capacity of run-of-the-mill Gantt chart software. You can easily link all four types of task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set a baseline. Now you can track your planned effort against your actual effort in real time to stay on schedule. You can even import seamless import MPP and Excel files. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpg Learn more If you’re committed to making a Gantt chart with Planner, unfortunately, there aren’t easy add-ons or plugins that Microsoft Planner has to help you with creating a Gantt chart, besides the timeline view that comes with Microsoft Planner Premium. The workaround for the offer is to leave the app and build a Gantt chart on a spreadsheet. Have you ever tried to build a Gantt chart on a spreadsheet? It’s very involved, takes a lot of time and only results in a static document that’s hard to edit and share. It’s enough to turn you away from Gantt charts forever. How to Make a Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart With ProjectManager If you’re using Microsoft Planner and you want to make a Gantt chart, there’s a way to do it. First, you have to sign up for a free trial with ProjectManager. There’s no credit card needed. You get 30 days to play around with our project management and Gantt chart software. 1. Use ProjectManager to Export Your Microsoft Planner Project as an Excel, CSV or MPP File Go to the board view in Microsoft Planner. Here, you can export your plan as an Excel spreadsheet, CSV or MPP file. It’ll hold all your data and be ready for importing into ProjectManager and viewing on our Gantt chart. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ms-planner-pm-import-updated-2025.pngLearn more 2. Choose the Excel, CSV or MPP File You’d Like to Import On the Gantt chart project view in ProjectManager, you’ll see an import icon. Click it and a popup window will ask you which file you want to import. Choose the Microsoft Planner file you exported. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Import-Projects_Wide_Zoom-175-e1666881352785.jpg 3. Select Options The next step is when you choose to add it to an existing project you have on ProjectManager or as a new project. If you’re adding to a project, choose which one and decide whether to keep or delete the existing data. 4. Import Into ProjectManager Now you’ll want to choose the data to import. A popup window will ask if you want to import all the data or only the task list. Make your choice and click next. 5. Customize Your Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart With ProjectManager When you see the success window, you’re ready to manage your Gantt chart. You can add tasks, link tasks, indent and outdent, color phases and add dependencies, milestones, cost and resources. /wp-content/uploads/2021/05/project-has-been-imported.jpg Free Gantt Chart Template Not ready to get started with a Microsoft Planner Gantt chart? Maybe you can start by using our free Gantt chart template for Excel. It will allow you to create a project timeline with ease. Simply enter your project tasks, their due dates and duration and the template will automatically create a Gantt chart for your project. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gantt-Chart-Screenshot-1600x648.jpg One advantage of this free Gantt chart template for Excel is that it’s compatible with Microsoft Planner and ProjectManager. So you can import the data from this template into ProjectManager and use its superior project planning, scheduling and tracking tools. How to Use Your Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart in ProjectManager Now that you’re using a real Gantt chart, it’s time to take a tour of the tool and learn what you can do with it. ProjectManager gives you control over your project that Microsoft Planner can only dream of. Related: Best Gantt Chart Software: Free & Paid Options Ranked There’s a reason our software has won awards for best project management software. Our Gantt chart goes beyond even what a decent Gantt chart software can do and, on top of that, you can track progress and performance, manage tasks, resources and risk, collaborate and so much more. But let’s first focus on the Gantt chart and its capabilities. Here’s a short list of what ProjectManager can do when you import your Microsoft Planner into our Gantt chart software. Set Milestones for Your Progress Milestones are important dates, such as when one phase ends and another begins. They can also be used to indicate the delivery of important information, such as the project plan. To create a milestone, use the diamond icon to indicate where one lands on the Gantt chart timeline. Milestones not only divide the project into manageable parts, but they provide a way to track progress. Make sure to celebrate milestones to boost team morale. /wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Marketing_Gantt_Milestones.gif Filter By Priority, Dependency and Tags The difference between our Gantt chart and the one Microsoft Planner asks you to build on a spreadsheet is night and day. We give you full control over all the data, allowing you to filter your Gantt chart easily to see dependencies, priorities, tags and more. We also make it easy to link all four types of task dependencies. Just drag one to another and it’s done. You can also filter for the critical path. Try doing that on an Excel spreadsheet. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/gantt-with-the-critical-path-filtered.jpg Our Gantt Chart Is All Yours If you’ve used other Gantt charts in the past, you might think poorly about them. Yes, they’re important project management tools, but do they have to be so difficult to use? Our Gantt charts are simple to use. Drag-and-drop tasks to change due dates or start dates and it’s done. We automatically update the related tasks. If you’re having trouble getting started, use one of our many industry-specific templates to get a headstart. There isn’t a better or easier-to-use Gantt chart on the market. Get Notified of Progress Another benefit of using our Gantt chart over a spreadsheet is that you can stay updated in real time if there are changes to the project schedule. If a task is updated or commented on and you’re assigned to it, you get instant notification, both by email and with an alert inside ProjectManager, if you don’t want to stop working. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Notifications_Wide_Zoom-175.jpg Other Project Management Features from ProjectManager As important as a Gantt chart is when managing a project, it’s only one of many project tools that every project manager and their team should have in their toolbox. ProjectManager understands the importance of diversifying and that different teams and departments use different tools. That’s why we offer multiple project views, such as task lists, calendars and other project management features that work in conjunction with our Gantt charts to give you more control over your project. Here are just a few examples. Kanban Boards A kanban board is a project tool that visualizes workflow by breaking up your production cycle into columns on which tasks are represented by cards. The cards carry task information, such as deadlines, percentage complete, and tags. With our software, you can attach documents and images. As the cards move through the sprint, they’re dragged and dropped into the next column. Our software can automate this process, giving task approval to managers to ensure quality. This allows teams to manage their backlog and collaborate on sprints, while project managers get visibility into their work. If they see a roadblock, they can reallocate resources to avoid delays. /wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Kanban_Marketing_Wide_Zoom-175_Moving-task-to-different-status.jpg Real-Time Dashboard When you set a baseline on the Gantt chart, it allows project managers to chart the project variance. That is, you can now compare your planned effort against your actual effort. This data is shared throughout the software, including on the real-time dashboard, which has easy-to-read graphs and charts that track costs, time, workload and much more. Simply toggle to the dashboard when you want a high-level view of the project’s progress and performance. Unlike other software, there’s no time-consuming and complicated configuration required. It’s ready to work when you are. /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/project-management-dashboard.webp Team Management Giving your team the right tools and having a way to monitor the project is only part of project management. You need a way to manage your team and ensure they’re working at capacity to stay as productive as possible. When you open the team management page in our software, you get visibility into the team’s workload. You can see your team’s assigned tasks assigned and their progress. There’s a color-coded workload chart that makes it easy to see who’s overallocated and you can balance the workload right from that page. We also have secure timesheets that streamline payroll and give project managers visibility into where each team member is in terms of completing their tasks. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Team_Manufacturing_Wide_Zoom-175_Reassign-Task.jpg ProjectManager does what Microsoft Planner can’t. Our online software is a true project management tool that helps you plan, manage and track your work in real time. Manage risk, resources and tasks with our robust features. See why teams from Avis, Nestle and Siemens use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. Related Content Best Microsoft Project Alternatives Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives Microsoft Project vs. Microsoft Planner: In-Depth Comparison Microsoft Project Online: Pros, Cons and Free Alternatives Microsoft Project Viewer – How to View & Edit MPP Files Online MPP File Extension: What Is It & How to Open It Microsoft Project for Mac: How to Run MS Project Files on Your Mac The post Microsoft Planner Gantt Chart: How to Make a Gantt Chart in Microsoft Planner appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Microsoft Project is a project management software that’s commonly used by 35,000+ companies around the globe, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best tool. This forces some to seek a Microsoft Project alternative for effective collaboration and lower prices. As projects grow in complexity and workforces expand globally, the need for online project management tools is no luxury. There is no lack of MS Project alternatives to choose from, with varying degrees of usefulness and project management features. Microsoft has thrown its considerable weight into the ring with Microsoft Project. While MS Project has become an industry standard in project management, it comes with problems, leaving people to search for the best Microsoft Project alternative. Why People Seek a Microsoft Project Alternative Microsoft Project can do much of what you need when planning and managing a project, but it’s not a perfect tool. There are many reasons why people who use it are searching for Microsoft Project alternatives. Thankfully, many other project management solutions on the market offer users a great alternative to Microsoft Project. We’ll get to those in a moment, but first, let’s outline the reasons people are dissatisfied with MS Project. Steep Learning Curve for Users: Microsoft Project is not for beginners. The software is very technical and not user-friendly. That might be fine if you have an advanced degree in project management, but for the rest of us, it’s going to require a lot of work, time and training to get a handle on how to use the tool. Why do that when you can simply use one of the best MS Project alternatives? No Microsoft Project Mobile App on Android or iOS: It’s hard to imagine a project management software in 2025 without a mobile app, but somehow Microsoft Project doesn’t have one. This is going to severely limit your team’s ability to update tasks from the field. This may be reason enough to find an MS Project alternative for some. Poor Team Communication, Even on Microsoft 365: Microsoft Project falls short in this category. You can’t easily message your team in the app, which means you’re going to have to jump onto one of the messaging tools that Microsoft offers, such as Teams, Outlook or Skype. Why do you want an add-on when it’s so much more efficient to choose a Microsoft Project alternative? Microsoft Project Doesn’t Integrate with External Apps: While MS Project works okay with other Microsoft products, that’s not the case if you want to use a tool outside of the Microsoft family of apps. So, if you’re looking to integrate with Salesforce, Slack or other tools, you’re probably going to find yourself frustrated and looking for MS Project alternatives. Microsoft Project Pricing is Confusing and Expensive: If money is your bottom line, then Microsoft Project’s price tag will be a tough pill to swallow. What makes matters worse is that you have to pay for each license. You may have to selectively license MS Project to your team. Luckily there are low-cost and even free Microsoft Project alternatives in the market. It’s Hard to Share Data with Other Project Management Software: It’s almost as if Microsoft Project doesn’t want your team to work together. If anyone on your team works on an Apple product, they’re out of luck. It’s such a problem that a cottage industry of online tools has emerged that offer ways to take MPP files, convert them into friendlier formats to edit and share and then convert them back to MS Project files. That’s not very efficient! 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2025 There are many Microsoft Project alternatives in the market, each of which has key features and characteristics that make them unique. The following list includes free, freemium, cloud-based or open-source options. Look through them and decide the best Microsoft Project alternative for you. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pm-logo-bggrey.png 1. ProjectManager ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that tops our list for its incredibly rich project data, competitive pricing and compatibility with Mac. This MS Project alternative helps you plan and schedule projects while delivering real-time updates with live dashboards and powerful reporting tools to continuously improve analysis and performance. And there’s a free 30-day trial so you can try it out, risk-free. Award-winning Gantt Charts for Precise Project Schedules ProjectManager’s Gantt chart software is unmatched: no other Microsoft Project alternative offers four types of dependencies, baseline tracking, real-time workload data, critical path filtering and more. Of course, not everyone works the same, which is why you get access to five different project views including Gantt, kanban, task list, spreadsheet and calendar. As teams execute tasks, even on the mobile app, data is updated instantly across the software offering reliable dashboards and reporting. Get All the Robust Features, Plus Mac Compatibility ProjectManager not only works on all Mac products but it does nearly everything that MS Project does, faster, easier and at a lower price point, which puts it at the top of the best Microsoft Project alternatives list. You can collaborate without jumping through hoops and manage schedules, resources, workload and much more. Plus, ProjectManager has real-time dashboards that compile data instantly, streamlining analysis and reporting tasks. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dashboard-IT-Light-2554x1372-1.png Intuitive Resource Management In addition to best-in-class project planning features, ProjectManager also offers a painless resource management experience. When scheduling tasks, real-time resource availability appears, so the workload is always balanced. When the project gets underway, you can use the team page to see all the tasks your team is working on in one place. Filter by team type, project and date range to stay on top of your team’s progress. Click on a task to make updates, or reallocate work instantly. You can’t get that level of team management and collaboration in Microsoft Project. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png As a bonus, ProjectManager offers a seamless import and export of MPP files. If some team members still use Microsoft Project, it’s never been easier to collaborate on MPP files and project plans. It’s so simple that you might just convince them to make the switch to this Microsoft Project alternative, too. There isn’t a more powerful, yet easy-to-use software in this Microsoft Project alternatives list. See for yourself with a free 30-day trial. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Project Management ProjectManager Pros & Key Features Offers versatile views including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars, allowing teams to visualize and manage projects in the style that best fits their workflow and preferences Robust planning, scheduling, tracking and resource management tools enable detailed project planning with task dependencies, critical path analysis, real-time progress tracking and efficient allocation and leveling of resources to optimize productivity Fully accessible via web browsers on Mac devices, ProjectManager provides secure cloud storage without file limits, ensuring seamless collaboration and easy access to documents from anywhere Enables users to import, view, and edit Microsoft Project files, making it a great bridge for teams transitioning from or collaborating with Microsoft Project users Equipped with features tailored to support complex project hierarchies, portfolio oversight and multi-project coordination, making it a strong choice for formal PMO environments Offers a risk-free opportunity to explore the software’s full range of features before committing, helping teams evaluate fit and usability Mobile apps for Android and iOS ensure users can manage tasks, update progress and communicate on the go, keeping projects on track even when away from the desktop ProjectManager Cons & Limitations While reporting tools are robust, some users find the customization options restrictive when trying to generate highly specific or unique reports Although useful, the mobile app doesn’t offer the full suite of desktop functionalities, which can limit productivity when working solely from mobile devices Fewer integrations than other Microsoft Project alternatives in this list No free plan to test out the software before making a purchase, though there is a 30-day free trial Pricing Team: $14.00 user/month Business: $26.00 user/month Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote ProjectManager Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.1/5 GetApp review: 4.1/5 Highlighted User Reviews “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2 “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2 “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2 “It’s a solid platform and has very good customer service. you can send collaboration invitations to your customers or partners, without the need for a setup or anything extra. What I like is that the website is always online, does not fall and is easy and intuitive to manage.” Aleksei V – from GetApp 2. Wrike /wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wrike-logo_color_black_RGB-600x120.png Wrike is an MS Project alternative that makes our list because it’s easier to use than Microsoft when planning, tracking and analyzing projects. It’s far more collaborative than MS Project, but then almost all the Microsoft Project alternatives on this list are too. You can easily invite freelancers, contractors, clients and teams from other departments into the tool for free, which is a nice touch. Related: Best Wrike Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wrike-timeline-view.png Those planning and collaborative features are great, but you’ll need a good deal of time to get comfortable using them. Don’t forget to add training time to your projects to get everyone up to speed with using Wrike. That doesn’t mean it’s hard to use, just difficult to know which is the right plan for you to move forward with. There are the pricing tiers we outline below, but then they have industry-specific versions of the software that add to the confusion. It’s an expensive project management tool, with user minimums, which might stop users from even exploring it as an option. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Project Planning Wrike Pros & Key features Allows users without a Wrike license to view and interact with project visuals, making it easy to share progress and updates with clients, stakeholders or external partners without extra licensing costs Offers versatile project visualization options including Gantt charts for timeline management, intuitive calendars for deadline tracking and customizable task boards (kanban-style) for agile workflow management Provides a robust free trial period, enabling teams to explore all core functionalities before committing to a subscription Includes a free tier with essential project management features, ideal for small teams or individuals who need basic tools without upfront costs Supports project management on the go with well-designed mobile apps available for both Android and iOS, ensuring seamless updates and communication anytime, anywhere Wrike Cons & Limitations Wrike’s feature set leans more toward general work management and collaboration rather than the deep, specialized project management functionalities that complex projects often require, which limits its suitability for detailed, large-scale project planning While Wrike includes Gantt charts, they miss key capabilities such as integrated cost tracking, detailed resource allocation and workload balancing, making it less effective for comprehensive production or project scheduling needs Compared to more robust platforms like Microsoft Project, Wrike offers fewer options for customizable project tracking, detailed analytics and comprehensive reporting, which can hinder project visibility and informed decision-making Wrike’s pricing plans require a relatively high minimum number of users, which can be cost-prohibitive and inflexible for small teams or organizations looking for scalable solutions Wrike’s extensive feature set comes with a non-intuitive interface that can overwhelm new users and require significant time investment in training, potentially slowing down adoption and productivity Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month Team plan: $10.00 user/month Business plan: $25.00 user/month Enterprise: contact sales Wrike Reviews G2 review: 4.2/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 GetApp review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Wrike has become essential in my day and keeps me organized and on top of my tasks.” Paige T – from G2 “Productivity has been enhanced by removing essential but repetitive chores.” Denise S – from G2 “It’s a much simpler system compared to the likes of JIRA. It’s great for smaller teams and it’s much quicker and faster to load.” Mohammed M – from GetApp 3. Smartsheet /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Smartsheet-logo-transparent-300x187.png Smartsheet is an online MS Project alternative that functions like a spreadsheet but adds collaborative features that connect teams. Its focus on collaboration means that the scheduling and task management features are lighter than some might want, but they’re not absent from the tool. It’s powerful like MS Project but more customizable, supporting automation. Related: Best Smartsheet Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Smartsheet-Timeline-GA-1.png However, because of its limited reach in terms of managing projects, users will have to spend extra to get such tools as time tracking, budgeting and resource management. There are no real-time updates, and autosave can be a little slow, which is frustrating if you lose data before it has been saved. If you need advanced project management features, you’ll need to look for other MS Project alternatives. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Spreadsheets and Templates Smartsheet Pros & Key Features Smartsheet is ideal for teams and organizations moving beyond basic Excel spreadsheets, offering familiar grid-like interfaces combined with powerful project management features that enhance collaboration and control Allows users to easily export files directly to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project formats, ensuring smooth data transfer and compatibility with established enterprise tools Provides full functionality and consistent performance on Mac devices, making it a reliable choice for Mac users seeking an alternative to Microsoft project management software Offers a free trial period, enabling users to explore its extensive features and determine if it fits their project needs without any upfront commitment The mobile app for both Android and iOS empowers users to manage tasks, update projects and communicate with teams anytime, anywhere, ensuring productivity even when away from the desk Smartsheet Cons & Limitations While Smartsheet covers some project tracking needs, it lacks advanced features like built-in critical path analysis, earned value management and comprehensive scheduling logic found in Microsoft Project Many of Smartsheet’s advanced functions require users to manually input and understand spreadsheet-like formulas, which can significantly raise the learning curve—especially for teams unfamiliar with Excel logic Compared to Microsoft Project and other enterprise-grade alternatives, Smartsheet offers limited resource planning and workload balancing features, making it less suitable for large teams managing complex allocations While helpful for surface-level visibility, Smartsheet’s reporting and dashboard features fall short in delivering the granular insights and high-level rollups needed for program or portfolio management Smartsheet does not offer a permanent free version—users must upgrade after the trial, which may be a barrier for small teams or startups with limited budgets As projects scale and more data is added to Smartsheet grids, users often report slower load times and interface lags, which can disrupt workflows and productivity Smartsheet Pricing Pro plan: $9 user/month Business plan: $19 user/month Smartsheet Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Smartsheet has allowed me to take my to-do list and run with it in a way that I didn’t think would be possible.” Victoria W – from G2 “I like that Smartsheet has a lot of different functions. It can be used for project management, inventory or event planning.” Lauren M – from Capterra “SmartSheet is my go-to for project tracking and timelines. It’s like Excel but way smarter. Super flexible for team work too.” Michael J – from GetApp 4. Primavera P6 /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Primavera-P6logo.png Primavera P6 is project management software developed by Oracle and used for enterprise portfolio management. It’s a Microsoft Project alternative that is best suited for large-scale and complex projects, often found in construction, engineering and manufacturing. It’s useful for projects that require extensive scheduling, resource management and detailed reporting. In terms of scheduling, there are Gantt charts, critical path analysis and more. For resource management, the software offers resource leveling, allocation and cost management. Related: What Is Oracle Primavera P6? Uses, Features & Pricing /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Primavera-P6.png The trouble with this Microsoft Project alternative is that it’s complicated and has a steep learning curve, especially for new users. Be prepared to devote time for significant training before doing any project work. On top of this, the price of entry is high. This Microsoft Project alternative is more expensive than most project management software when extra licenses and implementation are required. It’s also resource-intensive. Expect substantial computing resources and infrastructure to support it, plus maintenance. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Businesses Primavera Key Features & Benefits: Primavera is built specifically for managing complex, large-scale projects across industries like construction, engineering and manufacturing, offering tools for project scheduling, resource optimization, cost control and risk management—often exceeding the depth of Microsoft Project for enterprise use cases With both on-premise (Primavera P6) and cloud-based (Oracle Primavera Cloud) versions available, organizations can choose the deployment method that best suits their IT infrastructure, data security needs and budgetary considerations Oracle Primavera Cloud enhances collaboration with features like robust scheduling, project prioritization, portfolio management and integrated cost and risk analysis—all accessible via the web, making it a scalable solution for remote teams Primavera’s mobile app for Android and iOS enables users to update progress, check schedules and manage tasks directly from the field—ideal for construction and infrastructure teams that need real-time access Primavera supports multiple concurrent users and complex project environments with highly configurable role-based permissions, making it ideal for cross-functional teams and large organizations managing interdependent projects Primavera Cons & Limitations: Oracle’s support model often routes users through formal ticketing systems or knowledge bases, which can be frustrating when users need real-time assistance or direct customer service, especially for mission-critical issues Compared to modern project management tools, Primavera’s interface—particularly in the P6 version—feels clunky, with a steep learning curve and non-intuitive navigation that may deter new users or non-technical stakeholders Primavera is known for its dense functionality and enterprise-level architecture, but this power comes at the cost of usability. Many teams find it difficult to get started without formal onboarding, consulting, or certifications Accessing comprehensive, clear and up-to-date product documentation can be a challenge, which hampers user onboarding, troubleshooting and effective configuration without external help or paid training Primavera is priced and licensed for enterprise use, with high per-user costs, additional fees for integrations and training and ongoing maintenance requirements, making it inaccessible for smaller teams or startups While Primavera supports some integrations, it’s not as open or flexible as other modern platforms when it comes to third-party app support or plug-and-play integrations, requiring more manual work or custom API development Primavera Pricing You may acquire a desktop license or pay a monthly subscription for the online service for any of these and other versions of Primavera. Premiere P6 Professional Project Management (Windows thick-client): approx. $3,766 including integration reseller markups, additional ~$774 annual maintenance fee required Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (EPPM): approx. $3,850 per perpetual license (retail includes P6 Professional + Web Access), plus approx. $847 annual support cost, totaling around $4,597 Primavera P6 Progress Reporter (timesheet): approx. $1,320 per perpetual license, with approx. $290 first-year support fee Primavera Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 GetApp review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Oracle Primavera Cloud is very user-friendly, has amazing management and scheduling tools which allows good coordination between the team and also saves money and time.” Bruno L – from Capterra “Accurate calculation and output data is perfect.” Sameh H – from Capterra “The ability to build huge and complex schedules. P6 has been the construction scheduling standard for a while now. The ability to handle the thousands of activities in a large project and adjust to the constant changes of the construction industry.” Blake B – from GetApp 5. Monday.com /wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logo-Monday-600x212.png Monday is a Microsoft Project alternative that is fun to use, which makes it nearly the polar opposite of Microsoft Project. Monday is a project management software that doesn’t feel like a project management software. It is easy to start customizing workflows, and it has automation to keep users aligned and updated on due dates. Agile users will love the kanban boards for task management and the custom dashboard that tracks progress in real time. Related: Best Monday.com Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/monday.com-gantt-chart-2.webp If all this sounds like a good MS Project alternative and you want to check it out, you’ll only have two weeks to play around with the trial version or use the free edition, which is limited to two users. That’s not really enough time to get a handle on an app. More a collection of customized spreadsheets than project management software, Monday might fall short of your management needs. For example, there’s no Gantt chart. The timeline they offer is a lightweight attempt to match the power of the Gantt. There are no dependencies, for one, which is sure to cause headaches as you execute your project. But if you’re looking for simple MS Project alternatives, this could be it. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Ease of Use Monday.com Pros & Key Features Designed with a clean, visual interface that’s perfect for first-time project managers and cross-functional teams seeking quick onboarding without extensive training Offers seamless communication through comment threads, mentions, file attachments and real-time updates—ideal for distributed teams managing complex timelines Allows teams to track project progress, update tasks and receive notifications while in the field or working remotely, ensuring productivity on the go Try premium features for a limited time with no obligation, making it easy to evaluate capabilities before committing to a paid plan A solid starting point for small teams or startups, offering basic features for up to two users with access to task boards, limited automation and mobile functionality Monday.com Cons & Limitations Not well-suited for complex project, program or portfolio management needs often required by large organizations or PMOs While it offers visual reports, they lack the customization, forecasting and drill-down capabilities found in tools like Microsoft Project Monday is better for task and workflow management than it is for managing dependencies, critical paths or detailed project schedules No native Gantt-style critical path or cost/resource tracking, which require third-party integrations or workarounds, limiting its appeal for advanced planners Automations and integrations often require higher-tier plans and users on lower plans may find the platform restrictive without paying more for premium functionality While the base price seems affordable, the requirement for a minimum number of seats and feature-based pricing tiers can quickly become expensive Monday.com Pricing Free plan: $0.00 user/month Basic: $9.00 user/month, billed annually Standard: $12.00 user/month, billed annually Pro: $19.00 user/month, billed annually Monday.com Reviews G2 review: 4.7/5 Capterra review: 4.6/5 GetApp review: 4.6/5 Highlighted User Reviews “We used to have a mess of excel sheets and emails but now everything’s in one place.” Laura A – from G2 “It is overall a great product but it requires a lot of setup initially to take advantage of all its functions and features.” Ana D – from Capterra “It has a user-friendly interface. And it’s also great for collaboration, like assigning tasks and file sharing. And it’s pretty easy to use.” Andreas C – from GetApp 6. Asana /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/asana-logo.svg Asana is a great Microsoft Project alternative that organizes work across all your teams and makes sure everyone is always productive. It’s highly collaborative and tracks tasks and workflows, which makes it an ideal tool for task management. It’s flexible in that regard, and it has some of the best communication tools on this list, including video messaging that can be shared with the team. There are also multiple project views, including kanban boards, lists and calendars. Related: Asana vs. Microsoft Project: In-Depth Comparison /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Asana-gantt-chart.webp But, even with all its features and integrations, it still doesn’t mean Asana is a fully equipped Microsoft Project alternative. There are big holes in the platform. For example, there are no resource management tools, no budgeting and expense tracking and other things that project managers have come to expect in project management software. Projects that involve a lot of design work are not going to be happy that you can’t markup or proof visuals. But many will be won over by the design and flexibility when looking for Microsoft Project alternatives. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Task Management Asana Pros & Key Features Designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for new users to adopt without extensive training, unlike Microsoft Project’s steeper learning curve Features like shared task lists, comment threads, real-time updates and notifications make cross-functional teamwork and communication intuitive and centralized The Android and iOS apps let users create, manage and update tasks and timelines on the go, ideal for remote and hybrid teams Free version includes core project management tools, making it a good Microsoft Project alternative for startups or small teams Connects with Microsoft Teams, Outlook and other productivity tools to streamline workflows across platforms Asana Cons & Limitations Timeline view lacks advanced features, does not include critical features like cost management, capacity planning, or resource allocation that Microsoft Project supports natively Limited functionality for advanced project management lacks complex planning tools such as baseline setting, earned value management and multi-project dashboards Feature set is geared toward team-level collaboration and doesn’t scale well for enterprise-level project, program or portfolio management No built-in time tracking means Asana requires third-party integrations for time tracking, which adds complexity and cost Reporting and analytics tools are minimal, users looking for deep reporting and forecasting capabilities will find Asana’s tools lacking compared to Microsoft Project’s customizable reports More advanced automations or conditional logic require external apps or API workarounds, unlike Microsoft Project’s native automation options Asana Pricing Premium plan: $10.99 user/month, billed annually Business plan: $24.99 user/month, billed annually Enterprise and Enterprise +: contact sales Asana Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Asana is very easy to use, intuitive for my team members who don’t have tech backgrounds but need to start and contribute right away.” Sara G – from G2 “Overall, I had great success staying organized with this project management tool.” Mary B – from Capterra “I love how easy it is to share projects there, and one of my favorite features is having a template which can be applied to any project.” Yolandi E – from GetApp 7. Jira /wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jira_Software_logo.png Jira is a Microsoft Project alternative used for project management and issue tracking. It is mostly used in software development but can fit into other types of projects. It is not an apples-to-apples comparison with MS Project, but has similar capabilities, such as task tracking, workflow management and project planning. It can be customized and integrated with other tools and services. It is especially useful for teams working in an agile environment. It also has robust reporting and dashboards. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jira_Timeline.png This Microsoft Project alternative is not ideal for projects run in a waterfall methodology. That’s because there are no Gantt charts, which are the tool of choice for traditional project management. The interface and many of its features, such as the kanban, are not easy to use. Cost can also be an issue if there are going to be multiple team members licensed to the product. Users have reported some performance issues, as well, when managing large projects. That can negatively impact productivity. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Software Development Jira Pros & Key Features Jira excels at tracking bugs, issues and tasks with customizable workflows tailored to software development and project management teams The Atlassian Marketplace offers thousands of plugins and integrations, allowing users to extend Jira’s capabilities to fit complex project requirements Built-in scrum and kanban boards help teams manage sprints, backlogs and workflows effectively Mobile apps for Android and iOS help teams stay connected and manage projects on the go Reporting tools provide insights into team performance, issue resolution times and project progress Jira Cons & Limitations Lacks native Gantt chart functionality, which makes it difficult to visualize project timelines compared to other Microsoft Project alternatives User interface can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for new users or those not familiar with agile frameworks; navigating kanban boards is not always intuitive Steep learning curve for non-technical users, requiring significant time and training to get the most out of its features Customization can become complex and resource-intensive, making it difficult for smaller teams without dedicated admins to manage effectively Reporting and analytics tools, while powerful, can be complicated to configure and interpret for project managers unfamiliar with Jira’s ecosystem Limited built-in resource management and cost tracking features, forcing users to rely on third-party add-ons to fill critical gaps Jira Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month Standard: $8.00 user/month Premium: $14.00 user/month Enterprise: Contact sales Jira Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 GetApp review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “In my office we use jira for task management and time management, which helps us for team projects with multiple moving parts.” Saili K – from G2 “Once we got past the learning phase, Jira significantly improved our project efficiency and collaboration.” Abu R – from Capterra “Jira is simple and fast to learn. It offers a lot of features and lets you personalize your Jira experience.” Raqel A – from GetApp 8. Microsoft Planner /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Microsoft-PlannerLogo100x100.png If you love Microsoft software but feel that Microsoft Project is too much for you, then try Microsoft Planner. Glaringly, there are no Gantt charts, but if that’s not an issue, then this might be worth a try. This Microsoft Project alternative is a lightweight task management tool that specializes in kanban boards and task lists. And to help grease the wheels of collaboration, there are email notifications and calendars for those who need a work management solution. Related: Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Microsoft-Planner-kanban-board-2025-e1758319105260.png However, it’s a limited tool compared to Microsoft Project, and you’re certainly not going to get the planning and scheduling features of MS Project, much less its resource management and portfolio management features. But, if you just need an online space to manage tasks with your team and you live in the Microsoft universe, try Microsoft Planner instead. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Microsoft Fans Microsoft Planner Pros & Key Features Intuitive and user-friendly interface designed for quick adoption by teams of all sizes, making it easy to organize and manage tasks without a steep learning curve Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem including Outlook, Teams and OneDrive, enabling smooth collaboration and file sharing within familiar tools Basic but effective task management capabilities such as task assignment, due dates, checklists and progress tracking to keep teams aligned on deliverables Visual task boards with drag-and-drop functionality that support kanban-style workflow management for enhanced team productivity and transparency Mobile apps for Android and iOS that allow users to stay connected, update tasks, and collaborate on the go Free trial available to explore core functionalities before committing, ideal for teams seeking a simple project management alternative without upfront investment Microsoft Planner Cons & Limitations Lacks Gantt charts and advanced timeline views, limiting its usefulness for teams needing detailed project scheduling and dependency tracking No built-in workflow automation, making it less efficient for repetitive or complex task processes without integrating third-party tools Limited project management features overall, lacking resource management, cost tracking and comprehensive reporting capabilities Not suited for managing large or complex projects, as it doesn’t support portfolio management or multi-project views Minimal customization options for task views and fields, restricting how teams can tailor the software to their unique workflows Relies heavily on the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, which can be a barrier for organizations not fully invested in Microsoft products No native time tracking or budgeting tools, which limits its effectiveness for projects that require detailed financial oversight Microsoft Planner Pricing Before diving into the pricing plans available for Microsoft Planner, it’s important to understand there are two main versions of this software, Microsoft Planner Basic and Microsoft Planner Premium. Microsoft Planner Basic The version included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Good for lightweight task management. Starts from $6 to $22 per user per month, billed annually. Price varies depending on the Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22.00/user/month, billed annually Microsoft 365 Apps for Business: $8.25/user/month, billed annually Microsoft Planner Premium The next level up, for users or teams needing more advanced project management features. Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month, billed annually Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month, billed annually Planner and Project Plan 5: $55/user/month, billed annually For more detailed information about each of these Microsoft Planner plans and the features that are available for each pricing tier, visit our Microsoft Planner blog. Microsoft Planner Reviews G2 review: 4.2/5 Capterra review: 4.3/5 GetApp review: 4.3/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Overall, my experience with Microsoft Planner has been very positive, as it has helped my team share tasks and establish procedures to follow.” Alvaro G – from G2 “Microsoft Planner is great because it’s part of the Microsoft 365 family. It works really well with other Microsoft apps like Teams and Outlook, making it easy to use.” Anand G – from Capterra “I loved that I could set up a project plan and assign tasks to individuals. I also like that you can group tasks for different categories, including individuals, task type, priority, etc.” Nicholas B – from GetApp 9. Zoho Projects /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/zoho-logo1.png Zoho Projects is a Microsoft Project alternative with kanban boards that organize tasks, a social feed that captures updates on those tasks and forums for lengthier discussions. It connects teams to foster productivity and even has a timesheet feature for managers to see how much time each team member spends on their tasks. It offers issue tracking and a Gantt project view. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zoho-projects-timeline-scaled.jpg What it lacks as an MS Project alternative are resource management tools and reporting. In a sense, a manager is flying blind if they can’t generate status reports and then reallocate resources to keep their teams working at capacity. There is also no function for managing more than one project at a time, leaving the tool limited in what it can do for users. Verdict: Best Low-cost Microsoft Project Alternative Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features Zoho Projects offers core project planning features like task management, milestones and project timelines that are well-suited for smaller teams looking for a simple, intuitive alternative to Microsoft Project The mobile app makes it easy to manage tasks, track time and collaborate on the go, ensuring your team stays productive no matter where they are working from Zoho Projects provides a 10-day free trial for users to test premium features and a free plan with essential tools—ideal for individuals or small teams not ready to commit financially Unlike many basic project tools, Zoho Projects includes built-in time tracking, issue tracking and workflow automation tools, helping teams monitor productivity and streamline repetitive tasks It integrates easily with other Zoho apps (like Zoho CRM, Zoho Books) and third-party tools like Google Workspace, Slack and Microsoft Teams, offering flexibility in your software stack Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations While feature-rich, the interface isn’t as polished or intuitive as some competitors, which can make onboarding and daily use more challenging, especially for non-technical users The Gantt charts in Zoho Projects provide basic timeline visualization, but lack more advanced features like critical path analysis, baseline comparisons and full dependency mapping offered by Microsoft Project Unlike Microsoft Project, Zoho Projects doesn’t provide in-depth tools for resource allocation, workload balancing or forecasting—making it less suitable for complex projects with large teams Although Zoho offers many integrations, setting them up—especially with third-party or enterprise tools—can be clunky or require additional configuration, limiting its plug-and-play convenience Zoho Projects lacks the high-level reporting, roll-up dashboards and portfolio planning tools needed by PMOs or teams managing multiple projects simultaneously Custom workflows, fields and reporting are available but not as deep or flexible as what’s offered in Microsoft Project or other enterprise-level alternatives Zoho Projects Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month, up to five users Premium: $4.00 user/month, billed annually Enterprise: $9.00 user/month, billed annually Zoho Projects Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “What I like most is how it integrates perfectly with the entire Zoho ecosystem.” Emy L – from G2 “While the UI and the setup were slightly complicated, Zoho Projects helps you track your projects efficiently.” Shria G – from Capterra “It was excellent, I liked it, maybe in the future we will take it into account as our project manager. In the meantime we will use the free” Mario D – from GetApp 10. Airtable /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Airtable-official-logo.png Airtable is a cloud-based Microsoft Project alternative that combines elements of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database. User-friendly and customizable, users can manage projects across multiple views, such as grid, calendar, kanban and gallery. Those already familiar with spreadsheets will find adapting to this tool easy, there are several pre-built templates for project management, content planning and CRM to help get teams started. It’s also collaborative, has automation for repetitive tasks and a mobile app for iOS and Android. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Airtable-timeline_product-roadmap_1600x968-2-e1725636513174.png While there are multiple project views, there is no Gantt chart, which is a foundational project planning and scheduling tool, on any but the top-tier subscription accounts. In fact, its scheduling tools are generally limited. Even though it has some automation, this, too, is limited and might require third-party apps. Even its task management is problematic as setting up tasks and subtasks can be complicated. The Microsoft Project alternative also lacks resource leveling and can link all dependencies, which can create costly delays, and detailed reporting features. This tool simply isn’t suitable for large projects and those who do try it will find the cost prohibitively expensive. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Building Apps Airtable Pros & Key Features Airtable’s clean, spreadsheet-like interface is intuitive and easy to adopt, making it a good choice for users who want to quickly get started without a steep learning curve—unlike Microsoft Project’s more complex UI Multiple team members can edit and comment on projects simultaneously, enabling faster communication and real-time decision-making, especially helpful for remote and hybrid teams Users can link records between tables to create powerful relationships between project elements—great for tracking dependencies, budgets, or team responsibilities in a more dynamic way than Microsoft Project Airtable’s extensive library of templates for project tracking, product launches, content calendars, and more allows users to hit the ground running with minimal setup Easily toggle between grid, kanban, calendar, gallery and Gantt-style views to visualize data in the format that suits each team or project best—more flexible than Microsoft Project’s default Gantt-centric approach Airtable Cons & Limitations While the free plan is generous, Airtable’s premium features—such as advanced automation, larger record limits and interface designer—require upgrading to more expensive tiers that can become costly for larger teams on a per-user basis Airtable places strict limits on the number of records per base depending on the plan, which can restrict teams managing large or complex projects with high data volume File attachment storage is capped per base and per plan, which can be a bottleneck for media-heavy projects or teams who frequently upload large documents Although Airtable is flexible, deep customizations often require scripting or third-party integrations, which can create a technical barrier for non-developers As teams grow, Airtable may lack the resource planning, detailed permission controls and portfolio-level reporting features needed for true enterprise project portfolio management Airtable relies on premium apps or third-party tools for advanced timeline views, workload management and resource tracking, which makes it less suited for complex scheduling or resource allocation Airtable Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month Team: $20 per seat/monthly (billed annually) Business: $45 per seat/monthly (billed annually) Enterprise: contact sales Airtable Reviews G2 review: 4.6/5 Capterra review: 4.7/5 GetApp review: 4.7/5 Highlighted User Reviews “A lot of templates to start with. Highly customizable.” Jean D. – from Capterra “When you got a table up and running it was super effective.” Matt H. – from Capterra “I like how easily I can see data no matter how large. I can sort and create various views with ease.” Samantha P – from GetApp 11. Notion /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Notion.png Notion is a workspace tool that can be a strong Microsoft Project alternative depending on one’s needs. It’s an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, database management and collaborative features. It has a more user-friendly interface than Microsoft Project, which is designed to be intuitive and doesn’t require a great deal of training. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Norion-timeline-2024.webp Users who are looking for a Microsoft Project alternative with detailed Gantt charts, resource leveling and automated scheduling will be disappointed. Notion has limited advanced project management features. It’s also going to be a better fit for smaller teams or even individual use. Those looking to scale up to larger projects will become frustrated by Notion’s flexibility and look for a more specialized project management tool instead. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Notetaking Notion Pros & Key Features Notion allows users to build customized task boards, kanban views and calendars to manage to-dos, assign deadlines and track progress—making it a powerful yet approachable solution for personal and team project planning With its clean interface and block-based editing system, Notion excels as a centralized workspace for meeting notes, wikis, SOPs and brainstorming—all linked directly to related projects and tasks for seamless context-switching Users can build lightweight databases to track projects, clients, tasks or inventory—complete with filters, views, linked records and rollups—offering spreadsheet-like power with far greater flexibility and visual clarity From content calendars to CRM systems, Notion’s drag-and-drop interface and templating engine allow users to design fully personalized workflows, dashboards and layouts—without the complexity of traditional project management software Notion’s intuitive, minimalist design makes it approachable for users of all technical levels while still offering deep functionality for power users who want to go further Notion Cons & Limitations Lacks built-in advanced project management tools such as Gantt charts, resource allocation and automated timeline tracking, making it less suited for complex projects requiring detailed scheduling Notion does not offer built-in time tracking or budget monitoring features, so teams need to rely on third-party integrations or manual workarounds for managing project costs and hours To implement workflow automation—such as task reminders, status updates or integration with other apps—users must connect Notion to external tools like Zapier or Make, adding complexity and potential costs As databases and pages grow in size and complexity, Notion can slow down significantly, leading to delays in loading times and affecting team productivity, especially for larger organizations While basic use is intuitive, mastering Notion’s relational databases, formula functions and advanced templates requires time and experience, which can hinder onboarding for new team members Export options are somewhat restricted, often leading to loss of formatting or data structure, which can complicate migration to other platforms or backup processes Notion Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month Plus: $10.00 user/month, billed monthly Business: $20.00 user/month, billed monthly Enterprise: contact sales Notion Reviews G2 review: 4.7 / 5 Capterra review: 4.7 / 5 GetApp review: 4.7/5 Highlighted User Reviews “I usually use it as a note taking, studying board, planner and even to organize my financial life – it is all my life in one place.” Fabiane C. – from G2 “Originally a really good UI, available on multiple platforms, very dynamic and responsive.” Keith P – from Capterra “Love the easy to use interface, flexibility to create whatever tools you want, unlimited data and file uploads, Notion charts and automations.” Arjan S – from GetApp 12. Procore /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/procore-circle.png Procore is a Microsoft Project alternative that is used in larger construction projects. It’s not a direct replacement for MS Project, as it’s focused on construction project management. However, it does have robust tools for managing project timelines, tasks and documentation, including scheduling, budgeting and resource management. Real-time collaboration keeps communication between general contractors, subcontractors and stakeholders, which reduces risks of misunderstandings and delays. There’s also a mobile app and integration with third-party tools. Related: Best Procore Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Procore-construction-schedule.png While the Microsoft Project alternative has Gantt charts and project calendars, these are the only scheduling tools available. Users might expect more views, considering the high cost of the product, which only increases when more users are added. Needless to say, this is not the software one is going to choose to run projects outside of construction. It’s simply designed for construction project management and little else. Like other complicated software products, this has a steep learning curve. Smaller projects, even small construction projects, are not going to be appropriate for this software. It would be overkill. One reason is that the setup and integration of Procore with existing systems is time-consuming and complex. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Large Projects Procore Pros & Key Features Procore is specifically designed to handle the complexities of large construction projects, offering robust tools to manage multiple sites, teams and subcontractors efficiently Easily store, organize and share critical project documents such as drawings, specifications, contracts and RFIs, ensuring all stakeholders have real-time access to the latest information Track budgets, commitments, change orders and actual costs in real time to maintain financial control and reduce cost overruns across complex projects Monitor labor hours, track workforce productivity and manage timesheets directly within the platform to optimize scheduling and payroll accuracy Works smoothly with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6, allowing for streamlined project scheduling and portfolio management across different platforms Fully featured mobile apps for Android and iOS empower field teams to update progress, submit reports and communicate instantly from anywhere on the job site Procore Cons & Limitations Procore provides only two main project scheduling views—Gantt charts and project calendars—which may not satisfy users seeking more diverse or customizable visualization options like kanban boards or timeline views The construction scheduling features can be complex and overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time and training to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities Procore’s tools for resource allocation and workload balancing are limited, making it challenging to efficiently manage labor, equipment and materials across multiple projects While the Gantt charts offer task scheduling, they do not provide integrated cost tracking or budget insights at the task level, reducing financial visibility in project timelines Procore does not offer a free tier or trial, making it less accessible for small firms or teams with limited budgets looking to evaluate the software before purchase The pricing structure can be expensive and complex, often requiring custom quotes based on project size and features, which may deter smaller companies or startups Procore Pricing Procore requires a custom quote Procore Reviews G2 review: 4.6 / 5 Capterra review: 4.5 / 5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Procore is a great tool for Construction professionals. The feature set is very tailored to construction related tasks.” Mark T – from Capterra “If you are willing to read and follow along with everything presented it will be incredibly helpful.” Mathew K – from G2 “Management of projects with Procore is smooth and straightforward. You are able to share large volume data and documents. It’s a tool that enhances team collaboration.” Agasti S – from GetApp 13. Paymo /wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Paymo-favicon-transparent.png Paymo is comprehensive project management software with time tracking and invoicing capabilities so business owners and project managers can track project success. Its automatic time tracker makes Paymo a tough contender in the project management ring. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Paymo-timeline.png Task management is straightforward, with multiple assignees, priorities, customizable statuses, and project views including list, table, kanban, calendar and Gantt. There’s also an extra meta-Kanban view for a bird’s-eye view of your team’s tasks. This MS alternative is a great PM tool, but it has its limitations with third-party applications and can be complex and difficult to use. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Project and Time Tracking Paymo Pros & Key Features Multiple project management views including Gantt charts, task lists and kanban boards for flexible workflow visualization Integrated invoicing and payment processing, making it ideal for small businesses managing both projects and billing Comprehensive time tracking tools to monitor billable hours and improve productivity Collaborative features that allow teams to communicate and share files seamlessly within projects Mobile app for Android and iOS to manage projects and tasks on the go Paymo Cons & Limitations Limited advanced resource management features, making it challenging to handle complex team workloads and allocations for larger projects Reporting tools are somewhat basic compared to more robust project management platforms, which can limit detailed insights and analytics No native integration with some popular enterprise tools, requiring workarounds or third-party apps for full workflow automation User interface can feel cluttered for new users, resulting in a steeper learning curve initially Mobile app, while functional, lacks some advanced features available on the desktop version, limiting on-the-go project management capabilities Limited customization options for workflows and project templates compared to other project management solutions Paymo Pricing Free: $0 user/month Starter: $5.90 user/month, paid annually Small Office: $10.90 user/month, paid annually Business: $16.90 user/month, paid annually Paymo Reviews G2 review: 4.6/5 Capterra review: 4.7/5 GetApp review: 4.7/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Paymo has all the capabilities that allows me to save time by automating project and task management procedures.” Larry K – from G2 “I like the way Paymo has been designed. With its straightforward menu sidebar, it’s easy to access everything your business needs quickly and easily.” Jamie Lee J – from G2 “All the basics are well integrated from a simple task list to complex product road maps with the invoicing system / expenses that we can sync with our accounting software.” Adami T – from GetApp 14. ClickUp /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ClickUp-logo1-600x231.png ClickUp is a project management platform for teams across industries such as marketing, product planning and software development. It offers similar features to Microsoft Project, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and dashboards. Additionally, ClickUp offers document editing, instant messaging and email management tools. One of the main advantages of this software is the variety of integrations with third-party software, which allows users to customize the software to fit their needs. Related: Best ClickUp Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/clickup-gantt-chart-view.png However, unlike Microsoft Project, ClickUp wasn’t exclusively designed for project management. As a result, some of its features are limited. For example, ClickUp’s Gantt charts don’t allow you to track project costs or the percentage complete of each task, and they don’t track the four types of dependencies that are used in project management. So while ClickUp it’s a versatile tool that can help you manage tasks, teams and workflows, it might not be the best Microsoft Project alternative. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Team Productivity ClickUp Pros & Key Features Comprehensive team collaboration tools, including a built-in email solution that streamlines communication without leaving the platform Highly flexible and customizable, making it suitable for diverse teams across various industries and project methodologies Robust Kanban boards, dashboards and multiple views tailored perfectly for scrum and agile workflows to boost productivity Advanced task management features such as priorities, dependencies and automations to simplify complex projects Seamless mobile project planning app available for Android and iOS, enabling teams to stay connected and manage tasks on the go ClickUp Cons & Limitations The vast variety of features can be overwhelming and confusing for many users, especially during initial setup and onboarding, leading to a steep learning curve Lack several advanced features that power users find in Microsoft Project, such as in-depth resource allocation and cost tracking File exports are limited to PDF format only, which can restrict flexibility when sharing project data with other platforms or stakeholders The platform is missing comprehensive project reporting capabilities, making it harder to generate detailed insights or executive summaries without additional tools Despite a free plan, there is no dedicated free trial for the paid tiers, which can deter prospective users from fully testing premium features risk-free Performance can lag or become sluggish with very large or complex projects, affecting overall usability for bigger teams or long-term initiatives ClickUp Pricing Free: $0.00 user/month Unlimited: $7.00 user/month, billed annually Business: $12.00 user/month, billed annually ClickUp Reviews G2 review: 4.7/5 Capterra review: 4.6/5 GetApp review: 4.6/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Good for operational tasks and customer support.” Hovhannes G – from G2 “ClickUp sits right in the middle between typical task management tools and business platforms.” Pawel M – from Capterra “ClickUp enables teams to stay in sync by facilitating collaboration on a single activity where all participants can see each other’s contributions, comments, and status updates.” Kelly M B – from GetApp 15. GanttPRO /wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GanttPRO-600x72.png If you’re a small team in need of a Microsoft Project alternative with Gantt charts, GanttPRO may be right for you. Like Microsoft Project, its primary feature is the Gantt chart, and you’ll find that it’s fairly robust when it comes to planning and scheduling. And, when compared to Microsoft Project, it’s quite easy to use. Plus, there’s a kanban board feature for those who aren’t comfortable using the Gantt. /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gantt-pro-gantt-1.png However, the Gantt is about all it does well. When it comes to tracking and reporting, it falls behind the pack. Furthermore, if you need to do billing or invoicing, you’ll have to rely on integrations to get it done. Unforutnately, its integrations aren’t very robust either, so you may find yourself using other tools in addition to this Gantt-heavy Microsoft Project alternative. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative with a Gantt for Small Teams GanttPRO Pros & Key Features Files can be exported in multiple formats, including PDF, PNG and Excel, making it easy to share project data across teams and stakeholders Projects are simple to view, share and edit with external collaborators, even if they use different software, thanks to its intuitive interface and import/export compatibility Robust cost and budget tracking tools allow project managers to set estimates, assign hourly rates and monitor actual costs against the budget in real time A fully functional 14-day free trial gives users access to all premium features, allowing teams to explore its capabilities before committing Mobile apps for both iOS and Android ensure users can manage timelines, tasks and updates on the go, enhancing flexibility for remote and field-based teams GanttPRO Cons & Limitations No timesheets for logging hours in bulk, which makes it difficult for teams needing detailed time reports, although it does offer basic task-level time tracking Project reporting tools are limited, lacking in-depth project health reports, KPI dashboards or analytics for advanced project insights Very few native integrations with third-party apps, requiring reliance on tools like Zapier or manual workarounds to connect with other platforms No permanently free plan is available, which makes it less accessible for startups or individuals looking for long-term budget-friendly options Customization options are minimal, especially in terms of workspace layout, report configuration and workflow automation Not ideal for large-scale or highly complex projects, as it lacks advanced features such as portfolio management, resource leveling and baseline comparisons GanttPRO Pricing Core: $7.00 user/month Advanced: $10.00 user/month Business: $17.00 user/month Enterprise: Contact sales GanttPRO Reviews G2 review: 4.8/5 Capterra review: 4.8/5 GetApp review: 4.8/5 Highlighted User Reviews “I especially enjoy the collaboration feature where I can invite colleagues to edit tasks and timelines in the live document. I have moved from using Google Sheets.” Glen K – from G2 “GantPro software offers a seamless project management experience with its intuitive interface and robust features.” Dixie F – from Capterra “Extremely detailed and helpful for the project management of our college FSAE team. Could create a 14 month timeline with ease thanks to the great user interface. Helps assign and track tasks as well.” Kritik M – from GetApp 16. Trello /wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Trello_logo.svg-600x172.png Trello is a tool that manages projects and helps teams collaborate. This software uses a kanban board interface that allows users to visualize their workflow. It provides transparency and fosters collaboration. It has real-time updates, which is a plus and has easy onboarding for teams. It’s a fun and easy-to-use MS Project alternative, which is why it made it number five on our list. Related: Best Trello Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Trello-kanban-board.png But, as a fully-fledged Microsoft Project alternative, Trello falls short. It has a project bar chart instead of a Gantt. While that feature might try to mimic the usefulness of a Gantt it doesn’t set a baseline to track your actual progress against your planned effort, there are no inter-project dependencies and it can’t filter for the critical path in your schedule. Since it’s not the best project management software, Trello is recommended only for basic project management features. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Kanban Boards Trello Pros & Key Features Trello’s web-based platform and dedicated Mac app deliver a smooth, native experience on macOS, requires no complex installations or compatibility workarounds, allowing Mac users to effortlessly manage projects with full functionality, whether on desktop or mobile Flexible boards, lists and cards are suited for agile project management. Scrum teams can easily create sprints, track user stories, prioritize backlogs and visualize progress through customizable workflows and powerful automation — fostering collaboration and iterative delivery Connects with hundreds of popular tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Jira, GitHub, Microsoft Teams, Zapier and more. These integrations enable teams to centralize communication, automate repetitive tasks and sync data across multiple platforms, eliminating silos and streamlining project execution Mobile apps empower users to stay productive on the move. Whether updating tasks, commenting on cards or tracking project timelines, team members can maintain real-time collaboration and oversight from any location Teams can explore Trello’s premium features such as enhanced automation, advanced reporting and priority support through a free trial, enabling a hands-on comparison before committing financially Trello Cons & Limitations Core functionality is relatively basic, lacking many advanced project management features such as detailed resource allocation, complex dependency tracking and built-in budgeting tools that are standard in more comprehensive platforms Visual approach is centered around kanban-style boards and simple calendars, which may not be sufficient for teams requiring Gantt charts, critical path analysis or comprehensive timeline views to manage complex, multi-phase projects effectively To match the depth of Microsoft Project’s capabilities, Trello users often need to invest in various Power-Ups (add-ons) or external integrations. This not only increases costs but can also introduce complexity and fragmentation, making it harder to maintain a unified project management system Lacks built-in features essential for PMOs or organizations managing multiple large-scale projects and portfolios, such as standardized governance, advanced reporting, resource pool management and compliance tracking Unlike Microsoft Project, which offers detailed, customizable reports and analytics for performance tracking and decision-making, Trello’s native reporting tools are minimal. This can hinder project managers’ ability to generate insights and demonstrate project status comprehensively without relying on external reporting tools Trello Pricing Free plan: $0.00 user/month Standard: $5.00 user/month, billed annually Premium: $10.00 user/month, billed annually Enterprise: $17.50 user/month, billed annually Trello Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “I use it at work for my daily tasks and I also use it at home for a variety of different things.” Michelle J – from G2 “Aside from the UI being rather outdated, overall, Trello has streamlined our workflow significantly.” Peter Z – from Capterra “I used it in a company I was working at, and I also used it in a personal project, and both times it was a great tool.” Carina R – from GetApp 17. Basecamp /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/basecamp-vector-logo.png Basecamp is a Microsoft Project alternative that has team collaboration and is simple to use, two benefits that the notoriously uncollaborative and difficult MS Project can’t touch. Teams looking for a more straightforward and user-friendly solution to Microsoft Project will be attracted to this Microsoft Project alternative. It has task management features and communication tools, such as message boards, team chat and automatic check-ins. It creates a centralized hub for project collaboration. Related: Best Basecamp Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Basecamp-timeline.png However, it falls short of being a holistic project management tool. That’s because it lacks Gantt charts and resource management features and can’t handle complex dependencies. This Microsoft Project alternative is not suited for projects with detailed scheduling and resource planning. Reporting is limited, which reduces the analytic capabilities that help guide project managers in their decision-making. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Managing Everyday Work Basecamp Pros & Key Features Straightforward interface that makes it easy to assign tasks, set deadlines and monitor progress. Its minimalist design removes the complexity often found in traditional project management software, enabling teams to focus on getting work done without a steep learning curve Mobile applications empower team members to stay connected, update tasks, communicate and manage projects from anywhere — ensuring seamless productivity regardless of location or device Pro Unlimited plan allows unlimited users at a fixed price. This makes it a cost-effective choice for growing teams and organizations aiming to scale collaboration without incurring escalating costs Integrates essential collaboration features such as message boards, group chat (Campfire), file sharing and automatic check-ins. These tools foster transparent communication and keep all project-related discussions, documents, and updates centralized and accessible Offers a free plan with essential project management and collaboration features, ideal for small teams or individuals just beginning to organize their work, providing a risk-free way to experience its core benefits Basecamp Cons & Limitations Task management capabilities are quite simplistic compared to more robust project management platforms. It lacks the ability to create complex task dependencies, subtasks or customizable workflows, which limits its usefulness for projects requiring detailed task breakdowns and nuanced progress tracking Does not offer tools to allocate or optimize resources across projects effectively. This absence makes it difficult for project managers to track team member workloads, balance assignments or forecast resource availability, leading to potential bottlenecks or uneven task distribution Lacks built-in Gantt charts. Without this visual timeline representation, it becomes challenging to view task sequences, dependencies or overall project progress at a glance, limiting strategic planning and adjustment Reporting and analytics capabilities are minimal. It lacks customizable reports, dashboards or detailed insights into project performance, making it difficult for managers to analyze productivity trends, identify issues early, or make data-driven decisions Does not include native time tracking features. This forces teams to rely on third-party integrations or manual tracking, which can be inefficient and prone to inaccuracies, particularly when precise billing or time management is critical Offers very limited options for customizing workflows, notifications or automating repetitive tasks. This rigidity can hinder teams that want to tailor the platform to their specific processes or reduce manual work, reducing overall operational efficiency Basecamp Pricing Free plan: $0.00 user/month Basecamp: $15.00 user/month Pro Unlimited: $299.00/month, unlimited users Basecamp Reviews G2 review: 4.1/5 Capterra review: 4.3/5 GetApp review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “As a company, it allows us to flawlessly track all of our conversations, planning, tasks, and project progress.” Özgür K – from G2 “The interface transforms complex functionalities into an intuitive experience for all users.” Tom G – from G2 “Basecamp has single page projects that are relatively simple to use. The to-do lists are easy to use as well. Basecamp can also handle large file transfers.” David B – from GetApp 18. Teamwork /wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Teamwork_Logo-825x340-1-600x247.png Teamwork is an easy-to-use Microsoft Project alternative. It organizes tasks and subtasks, labeling priorities and identifying dependencies to avoid bottlenecks. There are messages at the task level to connect teams as they work on their tasks and time tracking for managers to monitor progress. Like many Microsoft Project alternatives, it also features a Gantt chart view. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/teamwork-project-management-software.webp There’s a free version that has limited features. Reviewing all these apps shows the shortcomings of MS Project when it comes to teamwork, hence the name of this product. However, the tool isn’t great for every type of collaboration. For example, you can’t mark up files, which is a problem if teams are working on visual materials. But it’s still miles ahead of MS Project and other Microsoft project management software. Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Team Collaboration Teamwork Pros & Key Features Goes beyond the fundamentals of task management by supporting task lists, subtasks, dependencies, milestones and priorities. Its clean interface and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy for teams to organize work without a steep learning curve, making it ideal for growing teams that need both structure and flexibility Includes native time tracking, timesheets and invoicing features. This integration streamlines project billing and resource management, allowing teams to log time, track billable hours and generate invoices without relying on third-party tools—especially valuable for client services, consultancies, and agencies Free trial that gives users access to many premium features, allowing teams to explore its capabilities before committing. This helps businesses assess its fit for their workflows without upfront investment Mobile apps available for both Android and iOS allow users to manage tasks, communicate with team members and track progress on the go. The mobile interface mirrors the desktop experience closely, making it easy for remote and hybrid teams to stay connected and productive from anywhere Workload management, project health status, portfolio views and client access permissions provide granular visibility into progress and resource allocation while enabling seamless collaboration with clients Teamwork Cons Gantt chart views are best suited for basic task visualization rather than comprehensive project planning. The features lack the depth of more advanced tools—such as dynamic critical path analysis, baseline comparisons or full support for complex task dependencies—limiting their effectiveness for managing large-scale or highly interdependent projects Built-in reporting features cover the basics but fall short when it comes to advanced analytics. Customizable dashboards, detailed performance metrics and cross-project insights are limited unless you upgrade to higher-tier plans or rely on external integrations. This makes it harder for teams to make informed decisions based on real-time data across multiple projects Heavily geared toward professional services teams—such as agencies, consultancies and client-facing businesses—which can make it less adaptable for internal product teams, IT departments or engineering groups. This narrow focus may result in tools and workflows that don’t align with the needs of more general-purpose or cross-functional project teams One of the more rigid pricing policies is the three-user minimum on all paid Teamwork plans. This can be a barrier for freelancers, startups or small teams who need advanced features but are forced to pay for extra, unused seats, making it less cost-effective compared to more flexible pricing models offered by other platforms More powerful features—like workload management, billing or advanced permissions—can require a significant onboarding effort. Smaller or less tech-savvy teams may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of settings and configurations, slowing down initial adoption and productivity To unlock Teamwork’s full potential—including CRM, help desk or chat capabilities—users often need to rely on separate but related Teamwork products or third-party integrations. This can lead to a fragmented user experience and added costs, particularly for teams expecting an all-in-one solution out of the box Teamwork Pricing Free plan: $0.00 user/month Deliver: $10.99 user/month, billed annually Grow: $19.99 user/month, billed annually Scale: Contact sales Teamwork Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 GetApp review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “It’s a great tool for unifying developers, designers and everyone involved in a project, needing little training.” Brett W – from G2 “Can also be used for personal projects, tasks, planning and dreaming/distractions, to get the info out of your head and recorded in a central system.” Jacki B – from G2 “Teamwork makes it super easy to handle repetitive task-and-project management procedures via real-time automation.” Oyekanmi O – from GetApp 19. GanttProject /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ganttproject-300x53.png GanttProject has one giant advantage over MS Project and even most of the Microsoft Project alternatives—it’s free. Gantt charts are the heavy lifters in project management and a free one is sure to be attractive. Especially one that’s easy to use and that can export documents to MS Project. That means this could prove a major asset to MS Project users. Related: What Is GanttProject? Pros, Cons & Alternatives /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GanttProject.jpg That is also its deterrent. You’re still wedded to MS Project. Though, perhaps you’d use GanttProject all by itself to manage your project. After all, Gantt charts are great tools. The problem is that this Gantt is limited in what it can do. For this free MS Project alternative, you’re going to have to use a suite of other apps to get the project management features that MS Project offers. Verdict: Best Free Microsoft Project Alternative for Gantt Charts GanttProject Pros & Key Features Its open-source nature makes it ideal for developers, educators, and organizations seeking a no-cost, license-free solution that they can modify or extend based on their specific project needs or security requirements Intuitive interface for building and managing Gantt charts without a steep learning curve. Users can easily define tasks, assign durations, create dependencies and set milestones, making it an excellent tool for straightforward project scheduling and timeline visualization Supports key planning functions such as task hierarchies, resource assignments and critical path calculation. These features allow individuals and small teams to map out project workflows, manage deadlines and allocate resources effectively, even in offline environments Free, with no hidden costs, subscriptions or user limits. This makes it a highly accessible option for nonprofits, freelancers, educators and budget-conscious teams that need essential project planning tools without financial overhead Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, providing broad accessibility across operating systems. It also supports file import/export with Microsoft Project (via .XML) and PDF/PNG export for sharing plans with stakeholders, ensuring interoperability and ease of collaboration, even with users on different platforms or tools GanttProject Cons & Limitations GanttProject offers only the most basic project scheduling functions, falling far short of the capabilities found in more comprehensive Microsoft Project alternatives. It lacks support for collaborative tools, real-time communication, automation and integrations with other productivity apps—making it unsuitable for teams managing complex or multi-faceted projects Core features like dashboards, kanban boards, workload or capacity planning charts and progress tracking tools are entirely absent. This lack of functionality limits GanttProject’s utility to simple, linear projects and makes it ill-equipped for agile, hybrid or fast-paced environments that require adaptive planning and visibility across multiple dimensions GanttProject is a standalone desktop application, which means no cloud syncing, no web access and no centralized team collaboration. Users must manually share files to coordinate, leading to version control issues and outdated information when multiple team members are involved in project updates The lack of a mobile app makes GanttProject impractical for users who need to view or update project data while away from their desktop. This limitation hinders remote work flexibility and makes real-time status updates or task changes difficult outside of a fixed workspace GanttProject’s user interface feels outdated compared to modern project management platforms. Its design is functional but not visually appealing or intuitive, which can detract from the user experience, especially for teams accustomed to polished, responsive UIs and interactive design elements found in web-based tools GanttProject Pricing Free downloadable software GanttProject Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.2/5 GetApp review: 4.2/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Good ability to insert and manage various resources and control the critical activities for the project.” Gianluca M – from G2 “This software hits what I need which is free and simple to use.” Max P – from Capterra “You can have GanttProject for free or low price, and it is very easy to use, export and import projects, print a Gantt or Pert and in addition to project management, we can manage resources and estimate costs.” Alex (Alexandre) M – from GetApp 20. ProjectLibre /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ProjectLibre-Cloud-Logo-final.png ProjectLibre is a free project management software that offers simple project management tools such as task lists, Gantt charts, project dashboards and resource management spreadsheets. Some of its key features include work breakdown structure (WBS) charts, resource histograms and network diagrams. It’s a downloadable open-source software that works on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, and it’s available in over 20 languages. One of its key advantages is that it can be used to view and edit Microsoft Project files without a Microsoft Project license. Related: What Is ProjectLibre? Pros, Cons & Alternatives /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/projectlibre-1.png However, while ProjectLibre promotes itself as the best Microsoft Project alternative, it lacks many of the tools that Microsoft Project offers such as timesheets, kanban boards or project management reports. On top of that, its project management features are limited and its user interface is outdated compared to the vast majority of Microsoft Project alternatives. Verdict: Best Open-source Microsoft Project Alternative ProjectLibre & Key Features Globally accessible tool with support for over 20 languages, making it ideal for international teams and organizations operating across multiple regions. Its localization capabilities help teams work comfortably in their native language, improving collaboration and usability in diverse environments Unlike Microsoft Project, which is Windows-centric, ProjectLibre works seamlessly on macOS, Windows and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility makes it a strong option for teams using mixed operating systems, ensuring everyone can access and manage project files without software conflicts Offers a robust free plan with no licensing fees, making it a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Project. It’s particularly well-suited for nonprofits, small businesses, freelancers and educational institutions that need advanced scheduling capabilities without the financial commitment Supports opening and editing Microsoft Project files (.MPP), allowing users to collaborate with teams still using Microsoft Project or migrate from it without losing project data. This compatibility provides an easy transition path and bridges the gap between proprietary and open-source project management environments ProjectLibre Cons & Limitations Interface feels dated and unintuitive, especially when compared to modern project management tools. Its design and layout resemble older versions of Microsoft Project, which can lead to a steeper learning curve and user frustration—particularly for teams accustomed to sleek, modern UIs with responsive design and easy navigation Lacks many advanced features found in more robust tools. There’s no support for agile project management, real-time dashboards, kanban boards, time tracking or collaboration features like chat and file sharing. This makes it insufficient for managing complex or fast-moving projects across teams Resource planning capabilities are confined to basic spreadsheet-style views that lack depth and flexibility. There’s minimal support for workload balancing, availability forecasting or dynamic resource allocation—features that are increasingly standard in modern project management platforms As a desktop-based tool, ProjectLibre lacks cloud functionality, team collaboration and real-time syncing. Project files must be saved and shared manually, which can create version control issues, limit accessibility and slow down collaboration—especially in remote or distributed teams There is no mobile version of ProjectLibre, meaning users are tied to their desktop or laptop environments. For teams needing to monitor progress, adjust schedules or check in on tasks while in the field or traveling, this lack of mobile accessibility is a significant drawback Despite its simplicity in features, ProjectLibre can be unintuitive for new users—especially those without prior experience using Microsoft Project or other technical project management software. The limited help documentation and lack of user support further compound this issue, creating a barrier to adoption for less experienced users ProjectLibre Pricing Free downloadable software ProjectLibre Reviews G2 review: 4.2/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 GetApp review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “It’s open-source. It also provides Gantt charts, defining task dependencies, setting milestones and allocating resources.” Tisagh C – from G2 “I was looking for a cheap or free alternative to MS Project to plan and follow my projects.” Nicolas B – from Capterra “This software is free! Also, it is very stable and has been around enough to have good help online and it is easy to import and export.” Max P – from GetApp Which MS Project Alternative Is Right For You? Microsoft Project is clunky, expensive and difficult-to-use project management software. Although it’s the default option for many, it doesn’t cater to every team’s needs. Construction teams, for example, may feel limited by MS Project’s weak scheduling features, leaving them to find a Microsoft Project alternative with dynamic Gantt charts and resource allocation features. Marketing teams may look for an alternative with great integrations that go beyond the Microsoft umbrella, while students may seek a free or open-source Microsoft Project alternative that better fits their budget and workflow. Related Microsoft Project Content Top Microsoft Project Management Software Best Project Management Software: Rankings, Reviews & Comparisons Best Project Management Software Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives Best Monday.com Alternatives Best Smartsheet Alternatives Best ClickUp Alternatives Best Wrike Alternatives Best Asana Alternatives 10 Mejores Alternativas a Microsoft Project (2025) 10 meilleures alternatives à Microsoft Project : options gratuites et payantes 10 beste Microsoft Project Alternativen: Kostenlose & kostenpflichtige Optionen ProjectManager is award-winning software that organizes tasks, teams and projects. It’s the best Microsoft alternative, with all the features and none of the frustration. You can use it to import and export MS Project files or better yet, abandon the expensive tool and subscribe to ours with multiple payment tiers. Try it free today. The post 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives: Free & Paid Options appeared first on ProjectManager. 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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The onn. 10.1" Android 14 tablet is on sale for $79.99 on StackSocial right now as part of an open-box deal. In this case, “open box” usually just means it’s leftover stock or a store return, so while the packaging might not look perfect, the device itself is tested, in new condition, and comes with a one-year warranty. For under $80, this tablet lands firmly in the everyday-use category (think streaming, browsing, and casual apps) without needing any subscriptions or hidden add-ons. The tablet runs Android 14 right out of the box, which means you’re getting the latest interface and features without waiting for updates to trickle down. The screen is bright enough for watching shows, casual gaming, or scrolling, and the 2GHz octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM handles everyday multitasking reasonably well. Storage is limited to 32GB, but a microSD slot means you can add more space if needed. You won’t mistake the cameras (a 2MP front and 5MP rear) for those on a phone, but they’re serviceable for video calls or the occasional snapshot. Where the device pulls ahead of other low-cost tablets is its battery life: up to 17 hours (according to the manufacturer), which is enough to get through a full day of use without hugging a charger. It also leans heavily toward being family-friendly. Google Kids Space and YouTube Kids are built in, giving parents some peace of mind with curated content, and Play Protect adds another layer of safety by scanning for malware in apps. Features like GPS and Google Assistant make it a handy travel companion too, even if it isn’t replacing a high-end tablet. The biggest trade-off is performance—this isn’t a powerhouse, and heavier apps will test its limits—but as a lightweight, affordable device for streaming, browsing, and keeping kids entertained, it does its job well. View the full article