What’s a ‘simple Kanban’ setup for an agency?

A small set of columns (Backlog → Doing → Review → Done) with clear owners and a weekly cleanup routine. Keep it boring and consistent.

How many columns should a Kanban board have?

Start with 4–6 columns. More columns usually means you’re encoding too much process for a ‘simple’ board.

Do agencies need WIP limits?

WIP limits help a lot. Even a simple rule like ‘max 3 items in Doing per person’ can reduce churn and context switching.

Best Simple Kanban Tools for Agencies (2026)

Quick picks

Short on time? Start with these picks, then scroll for details and trade‑offs.

Tool	Best for	Link
Plaky Pick #1	Simple boards + tasks without the bloat—good for small delivery teams.	Check pricing
Trello Pick #2	Ultra-simple cards and templates for lightweight workflows.	Check pricing
Notion Pick #3	Docs + a lightweight kanban view if you want SOPs next to delivery.	Check pricing

Before you choose, sanity‑check these:

Do you need a client portal or just internal workflows?
Do you need approvals/sign‑offs (and an audit trail)?
Which integrations are non‑negotiable (email, accounting, calendar, Slack)?
How fast do you need to be live (today vs. next week)?

If you’re building an end‑to‑end stack, start with Stack Builder.

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. See disclosure.

Last updated: 8 Jan 2026

Method: How we review tools — scenario‑fit picks, watch‑outs, and update policy.

If your agency needs a delivery board that stays simple (and doesn’t turn into a full-time admin job), start here. These picks are easy to adopt, easy to keep clean, and still strong enough for client work.

If you just want a fast answer:

Plaky if you want simple boards, clear owners, and low friction for small teams.
Trello if you want the simplest kanban flow and you already live in cards.
Notion if you want docs and a lightweight board in one place.