Why Choose a Partner vs HubSpot for Onboarding Services

Ever feel like setting up HubSpot is a bit like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions? You know, the kind where you’re pretty sure you’ve built a coffee table but it ends up looking like a chair with a missing leg?

Business owners and marketing VPs often face a tough decision when it comes to HubSpot onboarding. Should you go with HubSpot’s own team, or partner with an agency?

The stakes are high – the right choice can make your HubSpot experience smooth and profitable, while the wrong one can leave you frustrated and underwhelmed.

At Media Junction, we’ve been building websites and crafting digital strategies for over 20 years. Our team lives and breathes HubSpot, and we've helped countless businesses navigate their onboarding journeys. 

And that's exactly why we wrote this article, to help businesses like yours make the decision about HubSpot onboarding that best suits your needs.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs.

The key differences: HubSpot vs a HubSpot partner

When it comes to onboarding, HubSpot and its partners offer two very different experiences.

Each has its own strengths and potential drawbacks, so understanding these can help you decide which path is best for your business.

It’s kind of like deciding whether you want to be trained by Yoda or mentored by Tony Stark—one’s all about ancient wisdom and patience, the other’s about high-tech solutions and quick results.

HubSpot’s in-house onboarding

HubSpot provides a structured, 90-day onboarding program that is both comprehensive and methodical.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Training Only: HubSpot will train your team to use the platform effectively, but they won’t dive into your portal to do any of the hands-on work. This means your team needs to be ready to take on the implementation themselves.
• One-Size-Fits-All: The onboarding process is standardized. While it covers all the essentials, it doesn’t cater to the unique needs or nuances of different industries. If you have specific requirements, this approach might feel a bit rigid.
• Time Commitment: The entire process takes about three months. This is great for thoroughness, but if you’re looking to get up and running quickly, the 90-day timeline might feel lengthy.
  
  

HubSpot partner onboarding

Opting for a partner can significantly transform your onboarding experience, offering several advantages:

• Flexible Services: Partners provide a range of services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require basic training, help with building out your portal, or full-scale strategic planning and implementation, a partner can adapt to your requirements.
• Industry Expertise: Partners bring valuable industry-specific knowledge to the table. This means they can tailor your onboarding experience to better fit the unique challenges and opportunities within your sector.
• Quicker Turnaround: Partner onboarding is typically faster, usually taking about 6-8 weeks. This means you can start leveraging HubSpot’s capabilities and seeing a return on your investment much sooner than with the standard HubSpot onboarding process.
  
  

Why choose a HubSpot partner?

Let’s delve deeper into the advantages of working with a HubSpot partner.

It’s not just about getting started; it’s about setting up for long-term success and growth.

Speed to ROI

Partners can fast-track your onboarding process, meaning you see a return on investment sooner. Imagine hitting the ground running instead of wading through weeks of setup.

A quicker setup leads to faster utilization of HubSpot’s powerful tools, driving early results. This speed not only boosts your confidence in the platform but also starts generating value almost immediately.

It’s like skipping the long lines at a theme park and getting straight onto the rides.

Customization and flexibility

Unlike HubSpot's standardized approach, partners tailor their services to your unique business needs. Think of it as having a bespoke suit made versus buying off-the-rack.

Whether it’s building out specific components of your portal, integrating industry-specific tools, or providing ongoing strategic advice, a partner’s flexibility can be a game-changer.

They can pivot and adjust to your changing requirements, ensuring that your HubSpot setup evolves alongside your business.

Long-term relationship

Building a long-term relationship with a partner means ongoing support and consultancy.

This isn’t a one-and-done deal. As your business grows and changes, your partner is there to adjust your HubSpot setup to meet new challenges and goals.

They become an extension of your team, providing continuous guidance and support. It’s like having a trusted advisor always on call, ready to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Real hands-on experience

Partners are in the trenches, working in HubSpot portals every day. This hands-on experience translates into more effective training and implementation for your team.

They know the shortcuts, the best practices, and the common pitfalls to avoid. By leveraging their extensive experience, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient onboarding process.

It’s akin to learning to drive from a seasoned race car driver rather than just reading the manual. Their practical insights can make all the difference in getting the most out of HubSpot.

Cost considerations: HubSpot vs. partner

You might be thinking, "Sounds great, but what's it going to cost me?" Let’s break down the financial side of things to give you a clearer picture of what you’re signing up for.

HubSpot onboarding costs

HubSpot’s onboarding services are straightforward. You pay for training, and that’s pretty much it. This predictability can be reassuring, especially for budgeting purposes.

However, while the cost is clear and consistent, it lacks flexibility and customization. You get a fixed package, which means you might end up paying for services you don’t need or missing out on additional support that could be beneficial.

Partner Onboarding Costs

Costs with a partner can vary widely depending on your needs, offering both flexibility and a range of services:

• Training Only: If you’re looking for a partner to provide training similar to HubSpot’s, the costs will be comparable. This option is great if you want the familiarity and reliability of HubSpot’s training with a slight personal touch.
• Full Implementation: Expect higher costs if you need extensive portal building, strategic planning, and industry-specific customization. However, this investment often pays off in the long run with a more robust and tailored setup.
  
  

Hidden costs and added value

A partner like Media Junction ensures there are no hidden costs. Transparency is key, but it’s important to remember that additional industry-specific tools or integrations might be necessary, adding to your overall budget.

Furthermore, HubSpot is not a one-and-done deal; it’s a continuous journey. As your business evolves, so will your needs. Thinking of HubSpot as an ongoing investment rather than a one-time expense will help you better allocate resources and plan for future enhancements.

By partnering with an agency, you gain access to ongoing support and expertise, ensuring that your investment continues to deliver value over time.

Expertise and experience: who knows their stuff?

When it comes to expertise, both HubSpot and its partners have their strengths. Let's dig a little deeper to understand what each brings to the table.

HubSpot’s expertise

HubSpot’s in-house team is well-certified and knowledgeable. They follow a tried-and-true onboarding process that’s worked for countless businesses.

Here’s what makes HubSpot’s in-house team a solid choice:

• Certified Professionals: HubSpot’s onboarding specialists hold various certifications that validate their expertise in using the platform. These certifications ensure that you’re being guided by professionals who are up-to-date with the latest features and best practices.
• Proven Processes: HubSpot has developed a standardized onboarding process that’s been fine-tuned over years of implementation. This process is designed to cover all the essentials and get your team proficient with the platform.
• Dedicated Resources: With HubSpot, you get access to a wealth of resources, including detailed documentation, tutorials, and customer support, which can be extremely valuable for your team’s learning curve.
  
  

Partner’s expertise

Partners bring a different kind of expertise. Many, like Media Junction, have been in the game for years (or even decades). They’ve seen it all and done it all, from basic setups to complex, industry-specific implementations.

Here’s what sets partner expertise apart:

• Certifications and Accreditations: Look for partners with HubSpot certifications and accreditations. These are tough to earn and signify a high level of competence. They often go beyond basic certifications to include advanced specializations in areas like marketing automation, sales enablement, and CRM implementation.
• Tier Levels: Elite partners have proven track records with numerous clients and projects, ensuring they’ve got the chops to handle your onboarding needs. Being an Elite partner means they’ve successfully delivered exceptional results and maintained high standards of client satisfaction.
• Tenure: Long-standing partners have deeper insights and more refined processes, thanks to years of hands-on experience. They’ve navigated various challenges and have developed strategies to address unique business needs effectively.

Onboarding process and timeline

How long does it take to get up and running? It depends on who you choose.

HubSpot’s timeline

HubSpot’s onboarding process typically spans 90 days. It’s a set timeline that works well for many businesses but can feel lengthy if you’re eager to get going.

This thorough approach ensures that all aspects of the platform are covered, giving your team a solid foundation.

Partner’s timeline

Partners generally offer a quicker timeline, often completing onboarding in 45-60 days.

This faster pace means you can start leveraging HubSpot’s features and seeing results sooner.

Additionally, the timeline is more flexible and can be adjusted to meet your specific needs and deadlines, making it a more dynamic option for businesses in a hurry.

Support and ongoing services

After the initial onboarding, what kind of support can you expect? 

The level and type of support can significantly impact your long-term success with HubSpot.

HubSpot support

HubSpot provides 24/7 customer support, directing you to self-help resources and Academy lessons.

It’s reliable and ensures you have access to help whenever you need it.

However, this support can feel a bit impersonal, as it often involves navigating through a series of online articles or tutorials rather than direct interaction with a specialist.

Partner support

Partners offer tailored support, often through ongoing consulting retainers. This means you get dedicated help from someone who knows your business inside and out.

Partners can provide strategic guidance and personalized advice, not just technical answers.

This hands-on approach ensures that your HubSpot setup continues to evolve and improve as your business grows, offering a more customized and engaging support experience.

Handling complex business requirements

Got unique or complex needs? Understanding how each option handles these situations can help you make an informed decision.

HubSpot’s approach

HubSpot will train you on their platform, providing comprehensive guidance on using its features.

However, when it comes to complex use cases, this approach might fall short.

You may require more strategic support than HubSpot’s standardized training can offer, leaving you to figure out intricate details on your own.

Partner’s approach

Partners excel in handling complex scenarios. They begin by thoroughly scoping out your requirements, understanding every nuance of your business needs.

Then, they create a detailed, customized plan and execute it efficiently.

This ensures that even the most intricate requirements are met, providing a tailored solution that aligns perfectly with your business goals.

Their expertise and hands-on involvement make navigating complex setups much smoother and more effective.

Making the decision: key factors to consider

Deciding between HubSpot’s in-house onboarding and a partner’s services requires careful thought.

Here are some key factors to consider:

• Do we have the technical expertise and bandwidth for a training-only approach? If your team is tech-savvy and can handle the setup with just training, HubSpot’s approach might be sufficient.
• Do we need additional strategic planning and support? If your business could benefit from expert guidance and a tailored strategy, a partner’s comprehensive services might be more appropriate.
• Are there specific deadlines and goals that require a faster setup? If you need to get up and running quickly, a partner can often meet tight deadlines more effectively.
  
  

Ideal scenarios

• HubSpot Training: This is best if you already have a holistic strategy, prior HubSpot experience, and the internal resources to manage the setup. It's a good fit for businesses that are confident in their technical capabilities and prefer a predictable, structured approach.
• Partner Onboarding: Perfect if you need deep expertise, customized solutions, or simply don’t have the time or resources to handle it all in-house. Partners provide the flexibility and personalized support that can be crucial for complex or fast-paced implementations, ensuring you get the most out of HubSpot without overwhelming your team.
  
  

Ready to make the right choice for your HubSpot onboarding?

Choosing between HubSpot and a partner for onboarding services boils down to your specific needs and resources.

If you want a flexible, customized, and potentially quicker setup with ongoing strategic support, a HubSpot partner like Media Junction is the way to go.

If you have the expertise and time to manage with training alone, HubSpot’s in-house services can get you started.

Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your needs, consider your resources, and choose the path that aligns with your business goals. Either way, you’re investing in a powerful platform that can drive significant growth. Happy onboarding!