HubSpot CRM

Pros

The best thing about Hubspot is that it's a very popular CRM software so if you run into any problems - you can easily find someone to help you. Also, there are a lot of tutorials available online from where one can easily learn Hubspot CRM. Another thing that I like very much about Hubspot CRM is that it has a free plan which can be highly beneficial for small businesses and startups. Even the free plan is competitive with paid plans of other CRMs. Another pro about Hubspot CRM is its intuitive workflow and user interface that makes it very easy to learn and use. Hubspot CRM is the easiest CRM I have ever used - even someone with below-average knowledge can use Hubspot easily with proper training. Also, there are a lot of integrations available like WordPress integration which is very useful for small businesses.

Cons

There aren't many advanced features available with Hubspot CRM so it may not be very useful for large businesses. Also, there is a free plan and there is quite an expensive plan - I wish there was something in the middle as not everyone can afford it. However, one can start with a free plan and move to a paid plan when needed so that's a plus.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to HubSpot CRM

Pros

It is very user-friendly and easy to use. It is helpful to have all of my customer information in one place, making it easy to access and manage. The software offers a wide range of helpful marketing and sales tools, which has helped me automate many of my tasks and work more efficiently.

Cons

It can occasionally be overwhelming and difficult to use, in my experience as a user of the program. Although the abundance of features is undoubtedly a strength, it can also be a disadvantage for teams that lack technical expertise or for users who are less familiar with the software. Technical issues and slow performance have also happened to me, which can be annoying and hinder my workflow. Smaller businesses may also find the cost of the software to be a bit high, and there may be some restrictions on customization and tool integration. Overall, I think there is room for improvement in the software's stability and usability, despite my appreciation for its strength.

Pros

This review relates solely to Hubspot's Sales module, and not the Marketing package. Our small business utilises Hubspot for lead management and conversion tracking - I can't speak to Hubspot's other functionalities in the marketing field. Hubspot's Sales free and growth bundles are great value; offering start-up businesses with the basic tools required for recording correspondence with leads and tracking conversions. However...

Cons

As your business grows you naturally seek out greater efficiencies achieved through CRM automation services (e.g. automated follow-up emails to stay front of mind with prospects) - it's at this point you upgrade to the costly Professional package because the business case stacks up, right?

This is where Hubspot falls over. Everything (I cannot iterate this enough, literally everything) you would logically expect the software to support or enable isn't available. Credit to them, their support function does try to help but they are severally handcuffed by the limitations imposed by backend engineers and software architects. The tech supports can only try to provide convoluted/half baked work around solutions but often these result in additional implications and barriers downstream.

The nail in the coffin for our business was when we tried to setup automated email sequences (a 101), but learnt that you cannot enrol contacts into these processes when sending emails 'from' the shared/team/company email (e.g. [email protected] or [email protected]) - rather, Hubspot requires users to send from their individual email (e.g. [email protected])

Have you ever corresponded with any business via a personalised email address? Whether I'm communicating with the local mechanic or Apple, I never email [SENSITIVE CONTENT] You engage with a shared mailbox e.g. sales or support or [email protected]

It's no brainers like this that force you to question Hubspot's services.

Pros

The ease of use and many features that Hubspot CRM offers. Especially considering it is free software!I have tried out a few paid variants online, but I still fallback to Hubspot.That is saying something!

Cons

This might sound weird, but sometimes the options are just to many. In my opinion, a solid and simple workflow helps with productivity. With Hubspot, you often have too many options for your needs. Not a huge problem, but I noticed that a few of my clients (including me in the beginning) where overwhelmed with all the features it offers.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing HubSpot CRM

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to HubSpot CRM

Pros

I know that when I run into an issue or I am stumped about how to complete my goal, the hubspot team will be ready and able to help me! We have called them countless times and they hit it out of the park every time! Whether it is building out automation trees or fixing email formatting, their team knows their stuff and they are very good about following up!

Cons

This is a great product and you also pay for that quality. HubSpot is a very pricy subscription for us. We have tried to scale down our bill and it's nearly impossible. Once you are spending a certain amount, do not expect to be able to downsize/rightsize.