HubSpot has earned its reputation as a powerful tool for businesses to streamline their processes and drive revenue growth. Implementing HubSpot requires more than signing up for the platform and paying that first invoice. It demands a well-executed onboarding process that ensures a smooth transition and maximizes its potential. Unfortunately, many companies fall into common pitfalls during this crucial onboarding phase, hindering their ability to leverage the platform's capabilities fully. In this post, we will break down six common mistakes that we see companies make when they install HubSpot.
The Reality of CRM Failures
We hate to say it, but the reality is that 70% of CRMs are not implemented correctly. This isn’t our stat, here’s the source. This same source found that even after implementation, 40% of sales people aren’t using the CRM system to its full potential - if at all!
Don’t want to become a statistic yourself? Educate yourself on these seven common HubSpot onboarding mistakes.
Seven Common HubSpot Onboarding Mistakes
Mistake 1: Lack of Proper Planning and Strategy
Proper planning and strategy are the foundation of any successful onboarding process, especially when implementing HubSpot. One of the most common mistakes we see companies make is that they don't define clear goals and objectives from the start - even before the HubSpot contract is signed. Without a clear understanding of what they aim to achieve with HubSpot, companies may lose themselves in the sea of features, functionalities, and tiers without a sense of direction.
Undefined goals are not the only planning foley. Remembering to create a timeline and assign responsibilities can lead to disorganized and efficient onboarding. A timeline helps establish a structured approach, ensuring that necessary steps are taken on time. Assigning responsibilities ensures that every team member knows their role and contributes to the success of the implementation process. With these essential elements, companies can avoid delays, miscommunications, and a lack of accountability.
Mistake 2: Insufficient Platform Training 
One of the critical factors for a successful HubSpot onboarding process is ensuring that employees receive adequate training on its features and functionalities. Unfortunately, many companies don't provide their employees with a dedicated training regime. HubSpot has one of the most robust training libraries available. But, there is a TON of content within that library. Team members need to be pointed to the training that best serves their purposes. Otherwise, they may become discouraged or invest in training irrelevant to their role.
With proper training, employees may be able to navigate the platform effectively, gaining valuable tools and capabilities that could drive business growth. Investing time and resources in comprehensive training programs that empower employees with the knowledge they need to utilize HubSpot to its fullest potential is essential.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Data Migration and Integration
Chances are that your organization is moving to HubSpot from an existing system, which means that you'll need to include a proper way to handle the data migration from this system as part of your implementation plan. Depending on the volume of data being transferred, this step could take significant time and resources. Companies can ensure a smoother transition by allocating the ACTUAL time the migration process should take (not just the best-case scenario).
Integrating HubSpot with other essential business tools is critical to any HubSpot implementation. Yet, it's a common mistake for companies to disregard this aspect during the onboarding process. Failure to integrate HubSpot with other tools such as CRM systems, business intelligent solutions, customer support platforms, or marketing automation tools can result in siloed data, fragmented processes, and missed opportunities for automation and collaboration. To avoid these pitfalls, companies should actively prioritize and plan for integrations, ensuring that HubSpot becomes a cohesive part of their tech stack, enabling data synchronization, and empowering cross-functional teams to work harmoniously.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Customization and Personalization
Another stumbling block we see companies make is that they need to pay more attention to the power of customization and personalization in their HubSpot setup. Some companies settle for default settings instead of taking the time to tailor HubSpot to their specific needs. However, using default settings can limit the platform's effectiveness and hinder the company's ability to leverage its capabilities fully. Companies must assess their (and their team's) unique requirements and customize HubSpot accordingly. By customizing settings, fields, and modules, companies can create a HubSpot environment that aligns with their processes and workflows, ultimately maximizing efficiency and productivity.
Mistake 5: Poor Communication and Collaboration During the Onboarding Process
If you want your HubSpot implementation to go off without a hitch, your team needs to communicate! Effective communication and collaboration are critical for success. Unfortunately, poor communication often becomes a significant challenge during onboarding. This can manifest in various ways, such as a need for clearer communication between stakeholders, the implementation team, and end-users.
When communication lacks clarity and transparency, it becomes challenging to align expectations, address concerns, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Companies must prioritize open and frequent communication channels to foster effective collaboration and ensure that all parties involved are well-informed throughout the onboarding journey.
Moreover, it is essential to recognize the importance of actively involving all relevant departments during onboarding. HubSpot typically impacts multiple organizational functions, such as marketing, sales, customer service, and operations. Neglecting to involve these departments can lead to siloed efforts and missed opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.
Mistake 6: Inadequate Measurement and Analysis
Inadequate measurement and analysis can significantly hinder the effectiveness of a HubSpot implementation. With accurate and reliable data, it becomes easier to measure the impact of marketing and sales efforts, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. Companies must invest time and effort into establishing robust tracking and reporting systems within HubSpot, ensuring that crucial metrics are captured and analyzed effectively.
Mistake 7: Not Joining Forces With a HubSpot Partner
Alright, we may be biased, but we believe this is the BIGGEST mistake we see companies make. Bringing on a HubSpot Onboarding Partner can be incredibly valuable for companies implementing HubSpot. These partners are experts in the platform and have extensive experience in successfully guiding businesses through the onboarding process. One of the key benefits of working with an Onboarding Partner is their in-depth knowledge of HubSpot's features and functionalities. They can help businesses navigate the platform's intricacies, ensuring that it is customized and configured to meet their needs. By leveraging their expertise, companies can avoid common pitfalls, optimize their use of HubSpot, and accelerate the onboarding process.
A HubSpot Onboarding Partner provides invaluable guidance and support throughout the implementation journey. They work closely with businesses to understand their goals, processes, and challenges and develop a tailored onboarding plan. These partners provide training and education to users and offer ongoing support to address any questions or issues that arise.
Plus, when you work with a HubSpot Partner, HubSpot will waive its onboarding fee, resulting in significant savings for your organization.
By prioritizing proper planning, training, customization, communication, and analysis, companies can overcome common pitfalls and successfully onboard with HubSpot. Investing time and effort into avoiding these mistakes will result in a more efficient and effective use of HubSpot, ultimately driving business growth and success.
Is your organization going through a HubSpot implementation? JARS Digital is proud to be a HubSpot partner and has helped many businesses successfully onboard the platform. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless transition and maximizing the value of HubSpot for your organization. Don't go through the implementation journey alone - let JARS Digital be your trusted partner.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your HubSpot implementation and drive your business toward success.
