5 tips for a successful HubSpot implementation

HubSpot is a powerful platform, and streamlined marketing and more sales are probably its most eye-catching results. But I can imagine an upcoming implementation feels like jumping in at the deep end. Not without reason, because 50% of CRM implementations fail. Why? A lack of a worked-out strategy and too little support across the organisation. So in this blog I am sharing the most important tips for preparing a HubSpot implementation properly.

Make your HubSpot implementation a success

In this blog you can read more about these 5 tips

• Define your goal and sub-goals for each implementation phase
• Set the scope of your HubSpot implementation
• Think about the impact on your colleagues' work
• Get to know the HubSpot platform inside out
• Consider working with a HubSpot partner

1. Define goals for each phase

In theory, HubSpot can replace your entire tech stack. But starting that big straight away is asking for trouble. So focus is key: set clear goals up front and avoid drifting away from your end point halfway through the implementation. With those goals in mind, you always have a frame for deciding which HubSpot capabilities to use and which to leave for now.

Set sub-goals too, and use them to break the implementation into phases. Work out for yourself what success looks like after 30, 60, 90, 180 and 365 days, for example. That also helps you prioritise activities and build a plan. How do you start with the basics? I would advise linking the phasing below to your 30, 60, 90 and 365 day goals:

Phase 1

• A HubSpot account set-up with the right basic settings;
• Installing the tracking code on non-HubSpot website pages;
• Deciding on users and their permissions;
• Setting up the email integration;
• Setting the company logo, default colours and company information;
• Connecting the website, advertising platforms and so on;
• Give priority to implementing one of the Hubs, depending on your specific objectives, and configure the basic settings.

Phase 2

• Implement and configure the Hub you chose, based on your current process;
• Migrate data from your current CRM system to HubSpot;
• Build integrations with the other tools and systems in your tech stack, again prioritising on the basis of the goals you set.

Phase 3

• Implement the remaining Hubs you want to use, based on your existing processes.

2. Set your scope

Setting your goal immediately marks out the scope of your CRM project. HubSpot offers so much that starting with one or two parts of the platform is the sensible choice. A good starting point is to look at which of your current tools or systems you want to replace with HubSpot first. For example:

• Your current CRM system;
• Your current CMS;
• Your marketing tools, such as ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Hootsuite and so on;
• Your tools for analysing leads.

HubSpot gives you every tool you need as an organisation to grow. Switching everything over at once is risky. So think in phases and use the approach many of our clients take: start with one or two parts, depending on your objective.

3. Recognise the impact on your organisation

As with any software implementation, it is essential to have a clear picture of the impact on your organisation beforehand. What does the implementation actually involve? Which stakeholders are part of it? Which teams and colleagues are going to work with the CRM system? And what is expected of them to make the implementation a success and get real use out of the system?

Where do you need buy-in, communication and extra training to make working with HubSpot easier? Here is a nice thought: a lot of clients tell us HubSpot has made the work of marketing and sales more enjoyable. And that they never want to go back to Excel for CRM.

4. Get to know HubSpot inside out

Can you explain to your own organisation (or team) how HubSpot works and what the benefits are? Yes? Great. No? Then it is worth putting some more effort into understanding the system. It helps you see exactly how your organisation should be using HubSpot. And a sharp understanding of HubSpot in relation to your goals does more than create focus; it brings a lot more besides.

HubSpot also shows you what effect implementing the system has on the processes and ways of working inside your organisation. The knowledge base and HubSpot Academy are great ways to get familiar with HubSpot, the tools and the way data is managed in HubSpot.

5. Working with a HubSpot partner?

However well you prepare and however much use you make of HubSpot's extensive knowledge base, an implementation can still feel overwhelming. It does no harm to see whether you can work with a HubSpot expert who specialises in helping companies implement and onboard HubSpot successfully. HubSpot partners often offer targeted training as well, so you are up and running quickly and comfortable with the software.

We would be glad to help you make your HubSpot implementation a success and build lasting growth. Want to talk it through with no strings attached? Or do you have a question about your own implementation? Feel free to get in touch.

Want to know what a HubSpot implementation could look like for your organisation?