Implementing a new software system can be a daunting task for any business. HubSpot, is no exception.
Despite its many benefits, there are a number of pain points that businesses may encounter when implementing HubSpot. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common challenges that businesses face when setting up and using HubSpot and provide tips and best practices for overcoming them.
From data migration and integration issues to training and adoption challenges, we will cover everything you need to know to ensure your HubSpot implementation is successful!
1. Integration
It’s rare we work with a business that doesn’t have another software they want to integrate with HubSpot. Leaders often shudder at the mention of an integration because they’re traditionally painful, long and expensive processes that never seem to work without the intervention of a highly technical individual.
Fortunately, with HubSpot there are a number of options to choose from depending on which software you’d like to integrate with, and how you’d like the integration to perform.
Native integrations: These are built and supported by HubSpot and are available on HubSpot’s marketplace. There are hundreds of integrations with tools and software that you’ll be familiar with such as Salesforce, Stripe, Airtable, Xero, Pipedrive and many more. These native integrations have a number of benefits. They require no coding on your part and can be used out of the box. They also often come with access to plenty of resources and support through HubSpot. These tend to be free or low-cost solutions and you have the peace of mind that they’ve been used by many other businesses.
Third-party integrations: These are built by partnering software companies to integrate specifically with HubSpot and are also available on the HubSpot marketplace. These come pre-built with access to resources and support from the third-party who build the integration as oppose to HubSpot.
iPaaS (Integrations Platform as a Service) is a cloud-based platform that connects various applications, systems and technologies within the cloud. Zapier is an example of an iPaaS solution. It allows you to sync data between systems in real-time.
Custom integrations can then be used to build solutions with specific business use cases in mind. For example, if you need HubSpot to integrate with a piece of software you’ve built in-house or if you need a software to integrate with HubSpot at a deeper level. This will require working with a technical partner but we can point you in the right direction for that!
Ultimately, there are plenty of options for businesses who want to integrate HubSpot with other software and tools and most of these are straight forward providing you have a good HubSpot partner.
2. User adoption
User adoption is a critical aspect of implementing any software. You can buy the best software in the world, but if no one uses it, it’s pointless! This can be a concern for businesses looking to invest in HubSpot. It’s an incredibly powerful tool but only if it’s used in the right way.
To ensure successful user adoption, companies should involve their employees in the implementation process. This includes providing training and support, as well as involving them in the decision-making process for selecting and customizing the platform. This can help ensure that employees understand the benefits and value of the platform, and how it can help them in their work.
Companies should also make sure that employees are aware of the features and tools available to them, and how they can use them to improve their work processes. This can help to increase employee engagement and motivation to use the platform.
To further increase user adoption, companies should also make sure that the platform is easy to use and navigate, and that it integrates seamlessly with other systems and platforms that employees use regularly. This can help to minimize disruptions and make it easier for your team to use the platform so training is crucial!
Finally, companies should regularly monitor and measure user adoption, and make changes and improvements as necessary. This can help to ensure that the platform is meeting the needs of employees and that the implementation is a success.
You can learn more about helping your sales team adopt HubSpot here!
3. Cost of implementation
There’s no arguing with the fact that implementing new software can be expensive. However, if that upfront investment with a software leads to improved efficiency better quality communication and enhanced reporting, I’d say that was a fair trade!
HubSpot truly allows you to do more with less because it helps make sales, marketing and service more efficient. That means you have a happier, more productive team and your customers receive the best possible engagement from your business all the way through their buying journey.
Another positive point of HubSpot is that it offers a high level of scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt and grow as their needs change. This means that businesses can start small and add more features as they grow, without having to invest in a new platform or system.
Overall, while the costs of HubSpot can be perceived as high, the platform offers a wide range of features and tools that can help businesses improve their efficiency and scalability at a higher level.
4. The learning curve
The learning curve that comes with any new software can be a concern for business leaders.
Will your team get the training they need to adopt the software? Will you have early success that tails off when your team get bored of trying? How will you teach the different members of your team to use parts of the software that positively effects their day-to-day jobs?
HubSpot offers a wide range of resources and support to help users learn and navigate the platform. This includes a comprehensive knowledge base, tutorials, webinars, and user guides that can help users understand the features and tools available to them. Additionally, HubSpot has an active community of users and experts who can provide support and answer questions.
There are also learning paths for sales, marketing and service meaning your teams can get up to speed with the bits of the software that matter the most to them!
Another positive point of HubSpot is that it offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. This includes intuitive menus, clear labels, and simple navigation, which can help users find the features and tools they need quickly and easily.
If you want to fats-track your team’s HubSpot learning, it’s also worth engaging with a certified HubSpot partner who can help train and mentor your team for ultimate HubSpot success! Intergage is a certified HubSpot trainer and Platinum Solutions HubSpot Partner meaning we are perfectly placed to take your team from zero to HubSpot heroes!
5. Data migration
Data migration can be a headache. However, with the right partner, you’ll have the guidance you need to make this a painless process. At Intergage, we have a team of experts who have extensive experience migrating data into the HubSpot platform. A HubSpot partner will have a proven process for ensuring your data goes into the system without a glitch so you can focus on the important stuff!
The migration process can also be a great opportunity for businesses to clean and organize their data before migrating it to the platform. This can help improve data quality and provide your team with a clear process for how to treat this data in the future.
Summary
Hopefully, this has given you some peace of mind when it comes to your concerns around implementing HubSpot. High costs, integrations, data migrations, user adoption and steep learning curves are concerns for any new software purchase. However, a blend of HubSpot’s excellent support system, learning resources and a highly experienced partner will provide you with everything you need to upgrade to HubSpot. Ultimately, overcoming these small hurdles will provide you with a software that gives you everything you need – better efficiency, clearer reporting and a more cohesive customer experience.
