HubSpot Setup & Onboarding: DIY vs. Working with a Partner Agency

You've decided to go with HubSpot. Nice move. The first step once you're in? Setting it all up and getting your team onboarded—a crucial step to optimize your marketing, sales, and customer service processes. However, deciding between a DIY approach or working with a partner agency can be challenging. So, we're joining in on the great debate: should you go solo with a DIY approach to set up, or join forces with a HubSpot partner agency?

Understanding HubSpot Setup and Onboarding

So, what's the big deal about HubSpot setup and onboarding? Imagine trying to solve a Rubik's cube for the first time—without a strategy, you're just twisting and turning without much progress. HubSpot setup is all about getting the colors to align from the get-go. This process includes setting up CRM, marketing automation, sales pipelines, and customer service tools, as well as customizing dashboards and reports. You'll also want to customize your portal, integrate your tools, and ensure your team knows how to navigate the platform. A kick-ass HubSpot setup ensures that your HubSpot platform is customized to fit your needs like a glove, handing you the keys to unlock its full potential. And a solid onboarding steers your team through the maze, ensuring they are armed and ready to conquer HubSpot like pros.

DIY HubSpot Setup and Onboarding

Going DIY with HubSpot can be an exciting adventure—you could hit the jackpot or find yourself a bit off course. The pros? You'll save money, stay in control, and potentially become a HubSpot expert along the way. But be cautious: it's a time-consuming endeavor, and if you're new to the platform, you might face a steep learning curve. Plus, one misstep could mean missing out on valuable features and optimization tricks. It's a hands-on journey, so be prepared!

The Pros:
Cost Savings: One of the main advantages of a DIY HubSpot setup is the potential for cost savings. By handling the setup internally, you can avoid the fees associated with hiring a partner agency.

Control: Doing it yourself allows you to maintain complete control over the setup process, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with your vision and needs.

Hands-on Learning: A DIY approach can provide a deeper understanding of HubSpot's features and capabilities, empowering your team to manage the platform more effectively in the long run.

The Cons:
Time-Consuming: Setting up HubSpot on your own can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you lack prior experience. This time investment might divert resources from other important business activities.

Steep Learning Curve: HubSpot is a powerful tool with a variety of features, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Without proper knowledge, there's a risk of incorrect setup and missed opportunities for optimization.

Risk of Errors: Mistakes made during the DIY setup can lead to inefficiencies and require additional time and effort to correct.

Working with a Partner Agency

Now, let's talk about teaming up with the pros—a partner agency. It's like having a seasoned guide by your side, bringing their expertise and experience to ensure a smooth setup. You'll get a customized mix of solutions tailored to your unique business needs and reliable support every step of the way. But keep in mind, this expertise comes with a price, and you'll have to give up some control, so it's important to choose your agency partner wisely.

The Pros:
Expertise: Partner agencies have extensive experience with HubSpot setup and onboarding. They can ensure that the platform is configured correctly and efficiently, maximizing its potential from the start.

Efficiency: A partner agency can complete the setup faster than an inexperienced internal team, allowing you to start using HubSpot’s features sooner.

Customized Solutions: Agencies can tailor the setup to your specific business needs, ensuring that all integrations and customizations are optimized for your operations.

Ongoing Support: Many agencies offer ongoing support and troubleshooting, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your team can rely on expert help when needed.

The Cons:
Higher Upfront Costs: Working with a partner agency involves a higher initial investment compared to a DIY approach. However, this cost can be justified by the time saved and the potential for greater long-term benefits.

Less Direct Control: Partnering with an agency means relinquishing some control over the setup process. It's essential to choose a reputable agency that understands your vision and requirements.

HubSpot Setup Cost Implications

Let's crunch some numbers. DIY setup can be less expensive upfront, but it often involves hidden costs such as the time required to learn the platform and correct errors. On the flip side, partner agencies charge higher fees but offer expertise, efficiency, and ongoing support, which can lead to better ROI and long-term value. It's a financial decision that needs careful consideration, weighing short-term expenses against long-term benefits.

Long-Term Benefits and Considerations

Thinking ahead is where the real value lies. Professional onboarding can transform your team into HubSpot experts, mastering features and driving performance like pros. But it's not just about the initial setup—it's the ongoing support, the updates, and the continuous quest for improvement that truly make a difference.

Continuous Improvement: With professional onboarding, your team will have access to continuous learning and improvement opportunities. This means staying updated with the latest HubSpot features and best practices, ensuring that your business remains competitive and efficient.

Maximized ROI: Investing in professional onboarding means you'll get the most out of your HubSpot investment. Expert guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures that the platform is tailored to your specific needs, leading to better results and higher returns.

Enhanced Team Efficiency: Proper training and ongoing support empower your team to use HubSpot more effectively, increasing their productivity and reducing the time spent troubleshooting or learning through trial and error.

Scalability: As your business grows, your HubSpot setup can scale with you. Professional onboarding ensures that your initial setup is robust enough to handle future expansions, making it easier to integrate new tools and processes down the line.

Keep your focus on the future and be prepared for the long journey ahead. The right onboarding approach will set you up for sustained success and help you continually reap the benefits of your HubSpot investment.

Deciding Between DIY vs. Agency-Assisted HubSpot Setup

Ready to take the plunge? Hold on—let's consider a few things first. Look at your business's resources: do you have the time, expertise, and motivation to go the DIY route? Or does your path point towards the expertise of an agency?

Assess Your Team's Capabilities: Evaluate whether your team has the necessary skills and bandwidth to handle a DIY setup. Do they have experience with similar platforms? Are they comfortable with the technical aspects of HubSpot?

Time Investment: Consider the time it will take to set up HubSpot on your own. DIY might seem cost-effective initially, but the hours spent learning, troubleshooting, and optimizing can add up. Make sure you're prepared for this commitment.

Cost vs. Value: While DIY can save money upfront, weigh these savings against the potential value an agency can provide. Agencies bring expertise that can lead to a more efficient and effective setup, potentially offering a higher ROI in the long run.

Choosing the Right Partner: If you're leaning towards an agency, do your homework. Look for partners with a solid reputation, proven experience, and a portfolio that demonstrates their success. Seek out reviews, ask for references, and ensure they understand your specific business needs.

Long-Term Considerations: Think about the future. An agency can provide ongoing support and updates, helping you keep pace with new HubSpot features and best practices. This long-term partnership can be invaluable as your business evolves.

Wondering which approach to HubSpot set up is right for your business? Talk to the Hubbly team today! We have multiple setup and onboarding solutions, from guided DIY to our white glove, concierge setups.