Why Choose a HubSpot Partner vs HubSpot for Implementation Services
Kevin Phillips- HubSpot
- July 10, 2024
When you're looking into HubSpot implementation, it's usually because you're facing some big challenges.
Maybe you're struggling to get everything set up correctly, having trouble making HubSpot work smoothly with your current systems, or not seeing the results you expected.
These issues can lead to a lot of frustration, wasted time, and missed opportunities.
Choosing the right support, whether a HubSpot Partner or HubSpot Technical Consulting (TC), is crucial to avoid further delays, higher costs, and achieving the results you need.
At Media Junction, we get it. We've been building websites for over 20 years and have been a HubSpot Partner for over a decade. We've helped hundreds of clients successfully implement HubSpot.
Our team knows the ins and outs of HubSpot and can guide you through every step, from the initial setup to making sure everything runs smoothly long-term.
By the end of this article, you'll have a much better understanding of the key differences between choosing a HubSpot Partner and HubSpot Technical Consulting.
We'll also cover the important factors you need to consider to make the best choice for your business. Whether you're looking for hands-on help or just advice, we'll help you find the right solution to get the most out of HubSpot.
The Key Differences
Hands-On Implementation vs. Advisory Role
HubSpot Partners are known for their hands-on approach. They actively work within your platform, setting up and configuring elements to meet your specific needs.
This "white glove" service ensures that your HubSpot environment is tailored to your business from the ground up.
Partners handle tasks such as creating workflows, setting up integrations, and customizing dashboards. This means you get a system that’s ready to go and perfectly suited to your operations.
On the other hand, HubSpot TC offers an advisory role. They provide guidance and recommendations on what needs to be done but do not execute these tasks for you.
This means that while you receive expert advice, the responsibility of implementing these recommendations falls on your team. If your team lacks the expertise or resources to carry out these tasks, it can lead to delays and less effective use of the HubSpot platform.
Dedicated Team vs. Single Resource
One of the most significant distinctions between a HubSpot Partner and HubSpot Technical Consulting (TC) is the level of resource allocation.
With a HubSpot Partner, you gain access to a dedicated team that handles your account. This team approach ensures that multiple aspects of your project are managed simultaneously.
For example, while one team member sets up your email workflows, another can focus on integrating your CRM system. This coordination enhances both efficiency and speed, ensuring that your HubSpot implementation is thorough and timely.
The dedicated team can quickly address any issues that arise, keeping the project on track and reducing downtime.
In contrast, HubSpot TC typically provides a single resource. This means that one person is dedicated to your specific TC project or hours purchased. While they may be highly skilled, their internal approach and process may only support being able to address one task at a time.
This can result in slower progress and less comprehensive support, as they may not have the capacity to address all aspects of your project simultaneously.
Additionally, HubSpot TC might offer options for specific projects or hourly blocks, rather than managing the entire implementation process.
This single-resource approach might not provide the depth of support needed for complex implementations, especially when multiple aspects of the system need to be set up or integrated simultaneously.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost is a crucial factor for many businesses. Generally, HubSpot Partners are more cost-effective due to their smaller size and lower overhead costs.
HubSpot's technical consulting rates can be higher, with services typically billed at around $250 per hour for an eight-hour project.
Ongoing support can increase to $360 per hour.
In contrast, Partner rates are often between $175 and $250 per hour, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Advantages of Choosing a HubSpot Partner
Speed to ROI Realization
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a HubSpot Partner is the speed at which they can turn projects around.
Because they provide hands-on support and dedicate a team to your project, they can implement solutions quickly.
This faster implementation means that you start seeing a return on your investment sooner.
For example, a Partner can quickly set up your marketing automation, allowing you to start nurturing leads and driving sales much faster than if you were doing it on your own or with consultative recommendations in which you then need to go implement yourself.
This immediate, hands-on approach accelerates your ability to leverage HubSpot’s capabilities, resulting in faster and more effective outcomes for your business.
Long-Term Relationship
When you work with a HubSpot Partner, the relationship doesn't end once the initial setup is complete.
They can continue to handle ongoing projects and updates, ensuring that your HubSpot system evolves with your business.
This long-term relationship means the Partner gains a deep understanding of your business needs and goals, allowing for more personalized and effective support.
Continuous optimization and support mean your HubSpot environment stays current and effective, adapting to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Customization and Flexibility
Adapting to New Priorities
A significant advantage of working with a HubSpot Partner is their flexibility. If new priorities arise during the project, partners can easily validate and adjust the implementation plan.
This means that if your business goals change or you need to shift focus, a Partner can quickly pivot to address these new priorities.
This adaptability ensures that your most critical needs are always at the forefront, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle and extra costs of purchasing additional blocks of hours from HubSpot TC.
Instead, your Partner can make adjustments as part of the ongoing project, keeping everything seamless and efficient.
In-House Technical Resources
Many HubSpot Partners have in-house technical resources, including architects, developers, and engineers, who can implement complex solutions.
This in-house expertise means that they can handle even the most challenging technical requirements.
Whether it's integrating with other software, developing custom features, or solving unique technical problems, these resources are invaluable.
This capability is especially beneficial when the recommended solutions from HubSpot Technical Consulting are beyond your organization’s technical abilities.
With a Partner, you have a team ready to tackle these challenges, ensuring that your implementation is both comprehensive and tailored to your specific needs.
Their in-house technical resources can manage complex tasks and provide the ongoing support necessary to keep your HubSpot environment running smoothly and effectively.
Cost Considerations
Transparent and Predictable Budgeting
HubSpot Partners often provide more transparent and predictable budgeting. They typically scope out projects in advance, offering detailed estimates on the time and cost required.
This approach helps businesses budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
By knowing the costs upfront, you can plan your finances better and ensure that the project stays within your budget.
This transparency reduces financial surprises and helps maintain a smooth workflow.
Additionally, HubSpot Partners can offer year-long retainers with a fixed monthly cost. This option allows you to plan for the entire year, spreading out expenses evenly and ensuring continuous support and optimization throughout the year.
This long-term financial planning provides peace of mind and ensures that your HubSpot system remains efficient and up-to-date.
Value Beyond Hourly Rates
Beyond the lower hourly rates, HubSpot Partners offer additional value through their comprehensive service offerings.
These include post-launch support, ongoing retainers, and one-off support requests. This broad range of services ensures that businesses receive continuous value and support long after the initial implementation.
Post-Implementation Support
Comprehensive Post-Launch Support
HubSpot Partners, like Media Junction, offer extensive post-launch support to ensure your system runs smoothly.
This includes a one to two-week period for making tweaks and adjustments based on your initial feedback.
They also provide various ongoing support options, from handling small tasks (known as “honey-do” lists) to managing larger projects under retainer agreements.
This range of services ensures your HubSpot environment remains optimized and continues to meet your evolving needs.
Whether it's troubleshooting issues, making updates, or offering advice, this support helps keep your HubSpot system at peak performance.
Extended Team Role
Partners can act as an extension of your team, providing execution support that HubSpot TC cannot.
This execution role is invaluable for businesses that benefit from having HubSpot experts integrated into their ongoing operations.
Partners can assist with implementing new features, optimizing existing processes, and providing continuous training for your staff.
This hands-on support helps ensure that your team fully leverages HubSpot's capabilities, driving better results and improving overall efficiency.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Cost and Budget
Evaluating your budget and the cost-effectiveness of each option is crucial when choosing between a HubSpot Partner and HubSpot Technical Consulting (TC).
While HubSpot TC might be suitable for specific, highly technical queries, especially if you have in-house capabilities to implement their recommendations, a HubSpot Partner often provides more comprehensive and affordable support.
Partners offer a range of services at competitive rates and can provide project-based pricing or year-long retainers with fixed monthly costs, helping you manage costs more effectively.
This cost efficiency is particularly beneficial for businesses needing ongoing support and multiple services.
Technical Support Needs
Consider the level of technical support your project requires. If your project involves extensive technical work or a broad strategy, HubSpot Partners are better suited for the job.
They offer hands-on implementation and can address a wide range of technical needs, from setting up integrations to customizing your HubSpot environment.
If you only need guidance on specific issues, HubSpot TC might suffice, but for more comprehensive projects, a Partner is likely the better choice.
Long-Term Strategy
Think about your long-term strategy and the need for ongoing support. HubSpot Partners can provide continuous optimization and ensure that your HubSpot environment evolves with your business.
They align their services with your long-term goals, offering training, updates, and strategic advice.
This continuous support ensures that your HubSpot system remains effective and up-to-date, helping you achieve sustained success.
In-House Capabilities
Assess your internal technical resources. If your team lacks the expertise to implement HubSpot TC’s recommendations, a Partner with in-house technical capabilities can bridge that gap effectively.
Partners come with a team of experts, including developers and strategists, who can handle complex tasks that your in-house team might struggle with.
This ensures that all recommendations are not only made but also successfully implemented, maximizing the value you get from HubSpot.
Take the Next Step
In this article, we've explored the key differences between choosing a HubSpot Partner and HubSpot Technical Consulting.
You've learned that a HubSpot Partner provides a dedicated team, hands-on implementation, and cost-effective solutions, making them an excellent choice for comprehensive support.
We've also discussed the advantages of faster ROI, long-term relationships, and expertise across various use cases.
Furthermore, HubSpot Partners offer flexibility in adapting to new priorities and have in-house technical resources to handle complex requirements. They also provide transparent budgeting and post-implementation support, acting as an extended part of your team.
Now, it's time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our sales team at Media Junction to see if we're the right fit for your business. We're here to help you navigate your HubSpot journey smoothly and efficiently.
Let's work together to ensure your HubSpot implementation is a success. Contact us today to get started!
Meet Kevin Phillips, your go-to expert for making digital content that gets noticed. With a decade of experience, Kevin has helped over 150 clients with their websites, messaging, and marketing strategies. He won the Impact Success Award in 2017 and holds certifications like Storybrand and They Ask, You Answer. Kevin dives deep into content creation, helping businesses engage customers and increase revenue. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, disc golf, and being a dad to his three kids, blending professional insight with a dash of humor and passion.
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