A CRM is never better than how it is set up. We have seen HubSpot portals that drive the whole company's growth, and portals nobody uses after six months. The difference almost always lies in the implementation. Here is how we usually approach the work.
In short: A successful HubSpot implementation starts with goals and processes, not with the tool. Work in six steps: goals and requirements, data model, data migration, processes and automation, integrations and finally training and follow up. A typical implementation takes between four weeks and three months depending on scope.
It depends on how many hubs you introduce, how much data needs to move and how many integrations are needed. As a rule of thumb:
Start with why. What should be better once HubSpot is in place? More qualified leads, a shorter sales cycle, better forecasts, less manual work? Write down two or three measurable goals and which reports will show whether you reach them. Also decide who owns the system internally.
The data model is the foundation. Here you decide:
Spend time here. It is much easier to get it right from the start than to change it when there are thousands of records and reports built on the structure.
Export data from your current system, Excel or other sources. Remove duplicates, outdated contacts and empty fields before you import. Map every column to the right property in HubSpot and test with a smaller sample first. Read more in our guide to moving to HubSpot from Excel or another CRM.
Once the data is in place, you can automate. Typical first steps:
Start simple. Five workflows everyone understands are better than fifty nobody dares to touch.
Connect HubSpot to the systems you already use: email and calendar, accounting, ERP, ad platforms such as LinkedIn and Google, and any tools for meetings or contracts. Use built in integrations where possible and decide which system owns which data, so you avoid conflicts.
A CRM that is not used is worthless. Train each role in what it needs, not in everything. Reps need to manage deals and activities, marketing needs to build campaigns. Follow up on usage after two weeks, one month and three months, and adjust what is not working.
It depends on the scope. A simple setup can be done for a smaller fixed amount, while implementing several hubs with migration and integrations requires more consulting days. Ask for a quote broken down by step so you can see what is included.
Yes, especially on Free and Starter. HubSpot has good guides and HubSpot Academy. For Professional and Enterprise, with automation, integrations and migration, an experienced partner often saves both time and costly mistakes.
HubSpot onboarding is HubSpot's own introduction program for new customers on certain tiers. It can also be delivered by a certified HubSpot partner, who then often adapts the setup to your processes.
Start where your need is greatest. For many B2B companies that is Sales Hub, since a working CRM and a clear pipeline are the foundation for everything else. Marketing Hub can then be added on top of the same data.
Make it simple and relevant. Remove unnecessary fields, connect email and calendar, show the reps how HubSpot saves them time and use the CRM data in sales meetings and forecasts. When the manager looks in HubSpot, the team starts doing it too.
A good HubSpot implementation is about order before automation. Set goals, build a clear data model, clean the data and start simple. Then you get a CRM the team actually uses, and one you can keep building on.
Introducing HubSpot or rebuilding a portal that is not working? Get in touch with LeadLabs and we will put together a plan with you.