Evaluating HubSpot Onboarding: HubSpot or an Agency Partner?

HubSpot and its many tools can help your business flourish, but it can also be a challenge.  Getting the most from its services isn't as simple as logging in and getting started.  If you want to take full advantage of what HubSpot has to offer, you will need to implement it properly and learn how to use its tools.  

We have spoken to marketers that have given up on the platform.  When we hear this problem, we drill down to the root cause by asking the "5 Whys."  The most common reason for a failed HubSpot experience - is poor onboarding.

The Necessity of HubSpot Onboarding

HubSpot realizes that a successful initial setup of the platform results in happier customers.  That's why they require all new accounts to go through onboarding.  While this requirement may seem like an obstacle that prevents you from getting started, it is definitely helpful.  Proper onboarding will set up your new tool correctly and provide a valuable user experience in the platform, leading to a higher probability of success.  Not to mention helping avoid unforeseen issues.  The onboarding process helps you learn how to utilize HubSpot's invaluable tools effectively and, at the same time, gets the system configured to meet your business needs.

What Is Onboarding?

Two objectives: Technical and Strategic setup

With so many features available through HubSpot, you're likely to feel overwhelmed when starting out, especially if you're unfamiliar with the platform.  If you don't make full use of HubSpot, you may find that you're wasting money as you neglect many of its capabilities.  An objective of an onboarding process is to help you be confident in using HubSpot to achieve your business goals, such as lead generation, qualification, lead nurturing, and serving your customers.  The other objective of onboarding is to complete the technical setup, such as importing contacts and integrating other platforms.  You can either have HubSpot provide consulting services, or you can turn to a qualified and certified HubSpot Agency Partner.

Onboarding, with the help of either HubSpot or an Agency Partner, can help you properly implement HubSpot and help you gain a complete understanding of how to use it for your business.  Think of onboarding as a comprehensive tutorial that will help you make your purchase worth every dollar. 

There are specific differences to keep in mind when deciding between onboarding with HubSpot or working with a certified agency.

Onboarding with HubSpot

HubSpot onboarding varies depending on the specific Hub you choose.  Within each Hub comes a standardized process with a set and structured timeline. 

Some of what you'll get with HubSpot onboarding include:

• A HubSpot Implementation Specialist assigned to help you and your team learn the ins and outs of HubSpot within the first 90 days of subscribing.

• Assistance with both development and execution of your first inbound campaign through HubSpot.
• Technical Setup Assistance that provides tailored advice and helps when setting up your HubSpot portal.
• Integration advice from the Implementation Specialist that will help you integrate the HubSpot solution with your current system.
• Additional resources and customer support to help you with any questions or concerns you might have when using HubSpot.
  
  

Aspects of HubSpot Onboarding to Keep in Mind

There are some downsides to working with HubSpot directly for onboarding.  For one, the most significant disadvantage that you may find with HubSpot onboarding is that your team will actually be responsible for implementing the service.  HubSpot's Implementation Specialist and other customer support professionals will give you all of the instructions and guidance to help you along.  However, you may not have a large enough team to complete the necessary tasks.  On the other hand, your team will be able to learn a lot about how HubSpot works when forced to implement the solution on their own, but an agency will also be able to assist with this.

HubSpot's price for onboarding services ranges between $250 and $6,000 depending on the Hub purchased.  While marketing agencies apply a variety of pricing strategies.  Some simply match HubSpot's onboarding price, while others charge a flat fee or even build the cost into an ongoing monthly retainer.

Considerations:

• What is your team's capacity to complete the implementation?
• Is your team willing to engage in self-implementation?
• What is your ideal deadline to complete?
• What pricing structure am I comfortable with?
  
  

Onboarding with a HubSpot Partner Agency

Unlike HubSpot, which offers some clear guidance but no real collaboration to help you implement the software, a Certified Partner Agency can serve as an extension of your team to assist with integration based on your specific needs.  HubSpot, more or less, offers a standardized, one-size-fits-all onboarding solution with minimal customization apart from guidance.  While an agency can make sure you get everything you need during the onboarding process.

An agency can help with:

• Setting up various technical elements, including tracking codes, software integrations, time zones, and more.
• Learn every aspect of HubSpot that will help your business based on your company's goals, wants, and needs.
• Customize the HubSpot CRM with help setting up customized reports, dashboards, custom fields, automation of tasks, and other aspects.
• Help with developing strategies through strategic consulting.
  
  

Why an Agency Is Often Better for Smaller Businesses Just Getting Started

HubSpot's onboarding services can be ideal for some who have plenty of other resources to help them get started.  Typically, small to medium-sized businesses want additional assistance to make sure they get the most from the platform.

One significant advantage of working with an agency is that it can actually grow with you, scaling services and pricing based on what you need.  HubSpot, meanwhile, isn't as flexible with its onboarding services.  Also, you'll avoid having to pay HubSpot's fees if you are using a Certified Agency Partner for onboarding.

Partner agencies also offer training for your employees, which can be of massive benefit to you and your team, especially if your business faces specific problems that require specific solutions.

The right partner agency will further benefit your business by helping with strategizing and developing useful processes around HubSpot, which will make sure you get the most from the platform. 

HubSpot's onboarding services can be helpful, but they're still somewhat detached compared to the comprehensive help and attention you'll receive with a partner agency.

Choosing Between HubSpot and an Agency

Both HubSpot and partner agencies come with their unique benefits (and prices).   If you don't have the in-house resources to help you with efficient implementation and need a more customized integration solution, working with an agency can give you everything you need.   An agency can tailor services to align with your business goals and make sure you reap all the rewards of successful HubSpot implementation, with more flexible pricing.

Learn more from Craig Leabig by visiting inboundignited.com