Running a digital marketing agency means managing a lot of moving parts. From overseeing creative projects to ensuring clients get measurable results, there is plenty to focus on. But one area that often gets overlooked is payroll. Whether you have a mix of full-time employees, part-time staff, or freelancers, processing payments accurately and on time is essential for maintaining trust and keeping operations running smoothly.
Modern payroll tools make this easier than ever. They automate calculations, handle tax filings, and simplify compliance, freeing up valuable time for agency owners to focus on strategy and growth. Here are five modern payroll tools every digital marketing agency should consider.
1. Gusto
Gusto is one of the most popular payroll and HR platforms among creative and tech companies. It offers a clean, intuitive interface and automates nearly every aspect of payroll. With Gusto, agency owners can run payroll in minutes, automatically calculate taxes, and file them with federal and state agencies without lifting a finger.
For digital marketing agencies that work with both employees and contractors, Gusto provides flexible options for handling different pay types. It also includes tools for onboarding, benefits management, and time tracking. Employees can log into their own accounts to view pay stubs, W-2s, and benefits information whenever they need them.
Gusto’s automation and ease of use make it ideal for growing agencies that want to simplify operations while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
2. PayStubs.net
When your agency works with freelancers or part-time staff, having a reliable way to create and share pay documentation is crucial. PayStubs.net offers a fast and professional solution for generating accurate pay stubs online. You simply enter basic information such as employee details, pay rate, deductions, and pay period, and the system instantly produces a detailed, professional pay stub ready for download or printing.
PayStubs.net is especially useful for agencies that do not need full payroll software but still want to maintain financial transparency. It helps ensure everyone gets clear documentation of their income and deductions, which is important for both recordkeeping and tax purposes.
The platform’s pay-per-use model makes it cost-effective for smaller agencies or those that pay freelancers on a project basis. With PayStubs.net, digital marketing teams can stay organized, present a professional image, and avoid confusion when it comes to payment records.
3. QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a trusted name in payroll management and works seamlessly with QuickBooks Online. This integration allows agencies to manage payroll and accounting within one system, minimizing manual data entry and reducing the chance of errors.
QuickBooks Payroll automates tax calculations and filings, handles direct deposits, and generates necessary year-end forms such as W-2s and 1099s. For agency owners, this means more time spent on growing the business and less on repetitive administrative work.
The platform also provides detailed labor reports, helping agencies monitor costs per project or department. For teams that often work remotely or across states, QuickBooks Payroll ensures compliance with varying tax requirements and keeps all payment records securely stored in one place.
4. Rippling
Rippling takes payroll automation to the next level by integrating HR, payroll, and IT management into a single platform. It syncs employee data across all systems, eliminating duplicate entries and reducing the risk of payroll mistakes.
For digital marketing agencies that frequently hire or manage remote teams, Rippling offers a smooth onboarding experience. When a new hire joins, the platform automatically sets them up in payroll, benefits, and even the company’s software tools.
Rippling also supports global payroll, making it a great fit for agencies that collaborate with international contractors. Its reporting and analytics features allow business owners to track labor costs, compliance, and performance across teams. The result is a unified system that keeps your payroll operations efficient and transparent.
5. OnPay
OnPay is a versatile and affordable payroll solution built with small to midsize businesses in mind. For digital marketing agencies, it offers the perfect blend of simplicity and power. OnPay automates payroll runs, calculates and files taxes, and supports both employee and contractor payments.
The software also includes essential HR features such as employee onboarding, document management, and benefits administration. Its interface is clear and easy to navigate, so even non-accountants can process payroll with confidence.
OnPay’s pricing model is straightforward, with no hidden fees, and its customer support team is known for being responsive and helpful. For agencies that want a dependable system that grows with their business, OnPay provides flexibility and scalability without unnecessary complexity.
Final Thoughts
Digital marketing agencies thrive on innovation, teamwork, and precision. But those same qualities should apply to payroll as well. Outdated systems and manual processes can slow you down, create errors, and lead to compliance issues.
Modern payroll tools like Gusto, PayStubs.net, QuickBooks Payroll, Rippling, and OnPay simplify these challenges. They help ensure that every team member, whether a full-time strategist or a freelance designer, gets paid accurately and on time.
By embracing automation and professional payroll tools, your agency can save hours of administrative work, maintain accurate financial records, and build stronger relationships with employees and contractors. Investing in the right payroll technology is not just about efficiency; it is about creating a more professional, transparent, and reliable business foundation that supports long-term growth.
