HubSpot Partner Onboarding vs Self Implementation: guide for manufacturers
Andrew Shaw
5 minutes read
HubSpot is a popular all-in-one marketing, sales, and service software and increasingly being seen as a preferred solution for manufacturing companies. The platform offers a range of features, including CRM, marketing automation, lead nurturing, email marketing, social media management, analytics, and more.
HubSpot is easier and more cost effective to implement than alternatives such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, which are overly complex. However, it is still important to ensure that any CRM solution is properly implemented in order to ensure that it supports your marketing, sales and service processes properly.
Businesses have two main options for implementing HubSpot:
- Using the standard HubSpot onboarding process.
- Working with a HubSpot Onboarding partner.
In this blog post, we'll explore the difference between these two options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
SELF Onboarding HubSpot
HubSpot onboarding is the “out of the box” process for getting started with HubSpot and setting up your account. It's a process designed by HubSpot to help new HubSpot customers get up and running quickly and effectively.
HubSpot provides a comprehensive set of resources and tools to guide customers through the onboarding process, including a detailed knowledge base, step-by-step guides, and video tutorials.
Advantages of self onboarding
One of the biggest advantages of HubSpot onboarding is that it’s low costs and sometimes included in the price of the software. This makes it an attractive option for many businesses that want to minimise costs.
Another advantage of HubSpot onboarding is that it's designed to be self-guided. This means that businesses can go at their own pace and follow the onboarding process as they see fit. HubSpot provides a wealth of resources and tools to help businesses get started, but it's up to the business to decide how much time and effort they want to invest in the onboarding process.
Disadvantages of self onboarding
One of the main disadvantages of HubSpot onboarding is that it can be overwhelming for some businesses. HubSpot offers a lot of resources and tools to guide customers through the onboarding process, but it can be difficult for businesses to know where to start or what to focus on first. This can lead to a disjointed onboarding experience and a slower ramp-up time for the platform.
Another disadvantage of HubSpot onboarding is that it can be time-consuming. Most businesses lack the time and resources to ensure that the onboarding process is followed properly.
Lastly - and this is arguably the biggest issue - the HubSpot Onboarding process is a generic process. It’s a “one size fits all” approach and doesn’t take account of requirements that may be specific to the manufacturing sector such as the complexity that manufacturers face in having to build relationships with different parts of the supply chain.
As a HubSpot onboarding partner, our flexible approach can meet your business needs and budget requirements. To find out more, download your copy of our CRM pricing guide now.
HubSpot Onboarding Partner Support
The alternative to onboarding in-house is to use a suitably qualified HubSpot Onboarding Partner to implement the system.
HubSpot Implementation Partners are certified agencies or consultants that specialise in configuring and implementing HubSpot for businesses. These partners provide a range of services, including business process review, benchmarking against best practice, strategy development, technical implementation, training, and ongoing support.
Advantages of HubSpot Partner Support
One of the biggest advantages of working with a HubSpot Onboarding partner is that it provides a more tailored and hands-on approach to implementing HubSpot. Assuming you work with a partner that has experience in the manufacturing sector, the partner will bring extensive experience in helping you to understand how to get the best out of the platform and a base of manufacturing-specific use cases.
For example, this might include how best to use HubSpot to manage and relationships with distributors and stockists, or to build relationships by providing training for installers. These are specific requirements for which the generic HubSpot Onboarding approach will not provide out-of-the-box solutions. HubSpot Onboarding Partners can provide tailored recommendations and solutions based on the specific needs and goals of your business.
Another advantage of working with a HubSpot Implementation Partner is that it can save you time and resources. HubSpot's partners have a deep understanding of the platform and can implement it quickly and efficiently. They will also provide expert resources who can do the work for you. This means businesses can start seeing the benefits of HubSpot sooner and with less effort on your part.
Think you’re ready to work with a HubSpot partner? To see what we can achieve for you, download our pricing guide today.
Disadvantages of a HubSpot Onboarding Partner
The main disadvantage of working with a HubSpot Onboarding Partner is that it will be more expensive than HubSpot Onboarding. HubSpot Partners are professional services organisations that need to make a profit and so you will of course have to pay for their time and expertise.
The amount you pay will be dependent on the scope of the project you are undertaking, the level of complexity of the solution and the amount of resource you are also able to provide. For example, it is likely that your CRM implementation will require data to be cleaned before being migrated from your currently platforms to the new system - you may choose to reduce your costs by cleansing the data using internal resources.
Another disadvantage of working with a HubSpot Onboarding Partner is that it can be less flexible than HubSpot onboarding. HubSpot partners typically have their own processes and methodologies for implementing the platform, which may not align with the preferences or timelines of some businesses. This can lead to a less flexible implementation experience.
HubSpot Onboarding Partner vs Self implementation: What to consider
HubSpot is a powerful platform that can help manufacturing companies to grow and manage relationships at all points in the supply chain. When it comes to implementing HubSpot, businesses have two main options: HubSpot Onboarding or working with a HubSpot Onboarding Partner.
HubSpot onboarding provides a self-guided onboarding experience that is low costs and flexible, while working with a HubSpot implementation partner provides access to a team of experts that can provide a more personalised and hands-on approach to implementing the platform.
When comparing HubSpot onboarding and HubSpot partner support, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Industry-specific solutions. If you are keen to ensure that the HubSpot solution is set up specifically to support your strategy and business processes, then it would be best to use a HubSpot Onboarding Partner. In particular, you should look for a partner that has demonstrable experience in the manufacturing sector, is able to bring an understanding of industry-specific processes and how best to use HubSpot in your sector.
- Cost. HubSpot onboarding is free, while working with a HubSpot Implementation Partner will be more expensive. You will need to weigh-up the costs of each option against your budget, but be careful of cutting corners, as this will increase the risk of a failed implementation.
- Level of expertise. HubSpot Onboarding is a self-guided process, whereas working with a HubSpot Onboarding Partner provides access to a team of experts with extensive experience implementing HubSpot. You should consider whether you have the expertise internally to ensure the project is a success - with experience of implementing CRM and of the HubSpot platform itself - when deciding between the two options.
- Flexibility. HubSpot onboarding is designed to be self-guided and flexible, while working with a HubSpot implementation partner can be less flexible due to their own processes and methodologies. You should consider whether your timeline and the level of importance of the implementation when deciding.
Ultimately, the decision between self implementation and HubSpot partner support comes down to the specific needs and goals of your business. Self implementation can be a great option for smaller businesses that want to get started quickly with a basic “out of the box” solutions at minimal cost. Working with a HubSpot Onboarding Partner is the best option for businesses that need a more tailored solution, a hands-on approach to implementing the platform and a higher level of expertise.
