Businesses all around the world are constantly evolving in the software that they use and in the way that they’re running their operations. That’s not unexpected though — technology is always improving, new techniques and strategies are constantly being developed, and old software can become redundant in some cases.
One of the most popular business trends in recent years is customer relationship management systems. These systems are also known as CRM for short, and they have completely changed the way that businesses operate and how they are run. Businesses that use CRM systems have become much more efficient and productive in all departments. It’s a system that can be extremely powerful, as long as it is used correctly.
If you’re looking to jump onto the CRM train, then you would be hearing a lot about HubSpot. Is Hubspot worth it — it’s one of the most common questions that business executives ask when they first discover the software. It’s one of the most popular CRM systems in the world, and there are plenty of good reasons why it’s regarded as one of the best on the market. Keep reading to find out more about HubSpot and why your business needs this CRM system in 2023.
What is HubSpot?
So, what exactly is HubSpot? Hubspot is a comprehensive inbound marketing, sales, and customer service platform designed to help businesses grow and succeed. It is a cloud-based software that provides a suite of tools to help businesses attract, engage, and delight customers.
Hubspot offers a range of functionalities, including marketing automation, lead management, content management, website optimization, social media management, email marketing, and much more. With this system at the centre of your business, you can harness its full potential to drive your business ahead of its competitors.
One of the key features of Hubspot is its marketing automation capabilities. It allows businesses to create and automate multi-step workflows that help to nurture leads and move them through the sales funnel. These workflows can be triggered by specific events, such as website visits, email opens, or form submissions. This enables businesses to provide a more personalised experience for their prospects and customers, helping to increase engagement and drive sales.
Another important aspect of Hubspot is its lead management capabilities. The platform provides a centralised database for storing and organising leads, making it easy for businesses to manage and prioritise their prospects. The platform also includes lead scoring and grading tools, which help businesses to prioritise and focus their efforts on the most qualified leads.
In addition to its marketing and sales features, Hubspot also offers a suite of customer service tools. This includes live chat, help desk, and ticket management tools, which help businesses to provide fast and efficient support to their customers. The platform also includes a knowledge base and customer feedback tools, which can be used to create a self-service support centre for customers.
Hubspot is also known for its robust reporting and analytics capabilities. It provides real-time insights into the performance of campaigns, website traffic, and other key metrics. This enables businesses to make informed decisions and optimise their efforts for maximum impact.
Whether you are a small business looking to establish a strong online presence, or a large enterprise looking to streamline your marketing and sales efforts, Hubspot has something to offer. Its combination of marketing automation, lead management, customer service, and reporting capabilities make it a must-have tool for any business looking to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
Why HubSpot is unique compared to other CRMs
HubSpot differentiates itself from other CRM systems in two different ways — affordability and flexibility. While most CRM systems require users to buy a full paid package, Hubspot can be used for free.
Hubspot offers both a free and a paid version of its platform. The free version is divided into three different branches — the Sales Hub, Marketing Hub, and Service Hub. The free version of the CRM provides basic contact and lead management tools, as well as a suite of sales and customer service tools. This version is suitable for small businesses and individuals looking to manage their contacts and sales activities.
For businesses that need more advanced features and functionality, Hubspot offers a paid version of its platform. This version provides a more comprehensive suite of tools, including marketing automation, website optimization, and analytics. The paid version is suitable for businesses of all sizes and is priced on a subscription basis.
But, this is where HubSpot’s flexibility comes in. Each branch of the CRM can be upgraded to a paid version independently. For example, if a business needs to unlock additional features in the Sales Hub (such as email tracking and scheduling or advanced reporting and analytics) they can choose to upgrade the Sales Huband keep their Marketing Hub and Service Hub on free packages.
Before getting started with HubSpot
Before you get started with HubSpot, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Business executives might be excited to get started with this powerful tool, but oftentimes they don’t realise the risks that come with implementing the system.
First of all, you’re going to need a HubSpot expert to assist you with the implementation process. Nearly 70% of CRM implementations fail because these systems are so complex and unique. It’s always best to partner with an individual or an agency that has experience and knowledge in the implementation process if you want to ensure success.
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are certain costs associated with the implementation of a CRM. These costs are not accounted for in the CRM package (monthly cost). These are not necessarily “hidden costs” but they are often overlooked when businesses consider taking on a CRM.
Finally, you need to make sure that your team is onboard with the new system. It’s always helpful to have resources and training materials ready to help your team acclimatise with the new system and learn how to use it to its full potential.
