HubSpot CRM vs. Salesforce – Pros and Cons
Using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is a great way for businesses, big or small, to keep track of their various relationships and interactions with customers. Instead of having to juggle all your various connections, you can keep all of your contacts in one convenient place and reach out to them whenever necessary. There are plenty of options out there for CRM systems, but two of the most popular include HubSpot and Salesforce. But when you pit HubSpot CRM versus Salesforce, who comes out on top? We’re here to help you find out which option is best for you.
Overview Of HubSpot
HubSpot CRM is a cloud-based program designed for scaling businesses who seek the benefits of sales, marketing, and content management software. Within the CRM software, clients also have use of the Sales Hub, which includes impressive features like conversation intelligence, sales analytics, CPQ tools, and sales engagement software. HubSpot also offers a Service Hub and a CMS Hub for companies who want extra support in these areas.
Pros Of HubSpot
One of the biggest benefits to using the HubSpot CRM is the ease of use. The entire system was created in-house, meaning that the same basic controls and processes are used throughout the software. The learning curve is much lower than other CRMs on the market, allowing your team to take advantage of the platform quickly.
Particularly for small businesses, every penny counts. Cost is one category in which HubSpot CRM is clearly the winner. There are several free features that team members can take advantage of, including contact management, ad management, email templates, and company insights. Plus, the advertised price for any HubSpot Hub includes all available features, so you don’t have to pay extra to use a certain program. The Starter CRM Suite costs $45 per month per user when you commit to an annual plan.
Cons Of HubSpot
The low price tag does come with a bit of a catch, however. HubSpot CRM doesn’t have quite as many features as Salesforce, so for larger companies who need advanced programming, this may not be the right platform.
While HubSpot is pretty intuitive, you’re bound to have a question or two as you use the platform. Sadly, many users report that Technical Support is less than ideal. For paid users, 24/7 phone assistance is available in some circumstances. Those using the free platform have to turn to the peer support community.
Overview Of SalesForce
Another cloud-based CRM platform, Salesforce helps companies connect with their customers through marketing, service, and sales applications. Similarly to HubSpot’s Sales Hub, Salesforce offers the Sales Cloud. This platform helps businesses to automate their sales processes, manage their leads, and track progress in reaching their sales goals.
Pros Of SalesForce
For businesses who are looking for robust and customizable CRM services, they will find exactly that with Salesforce. Many of their tools are industry-targeted, so those working in fields like healthcare or higher education can benefit from these personalized systems. The Salesforce CRM also allows users to add more marketing contacts than what is available on the HubSpot CRM.
If you need help figuring out the Salesforce platform, it’s relatively easy to get in touch with customer service or tech support. The Sales and Service clouds, along with other products available through Salesforce, come with access to 24/7 phone support, as well as unlimited technical support requests. You can also take advantage of the Success Cloud training platform and the Trailhead online learning community.
Cons Of SalesForce
We mentioned earlier that the HubSpot CRM was completely designed in-house. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with the Salesforce CRM platform. Salesforce worked with partners and acquisitions to build their platform, so you may have a different experience in every section that you use. Further, this makes the learning curve much steeper and could impede your progress while your team is figuring out the program.
You already know that Salesforce offers more features than HubSpot in many cases, and those extra features do come with a higher price. The majority of customers who use the Salesforce CRM find that the platform works best when they also invest in the Salesforce Marketing Automation platform. You may also find that you need to invest in individual email marketing services and other partner services that integrate with the Salesforce platform. Unlike HubSpot CRM, there is no free Salesforce program available.
So, Which is Better?
It’s clear that, when you’re considering HubSpot CRM versus Salesforce, each platform has its own unique benefits and disadvantages. Deciding which CRM platform is best for you will ultimately depend on the size of your business as well as your overall goals.
Those running a small business will likely favor the HubSpot CRM platform, as it’s easy to get up and running and offers free and low-cost CRM tools. However, those with bigger enterprises may lean towards Salesforce, since they will likely have the budget and experience to afford and navigate the platform.
If you’re considering investing in a CRM platform, take care to research the various features available and think about what functionalities your business actually needs. You may also benefit from working with a partner like WriterArmy, who can help you get your CRM up and running and keep track of your performance.
Working with WriterArmy
WriterArmy is a trusted content creation and marketing agency that has more than a decade of experience serving clients from around the world. Our team has worked with businesses and individuals in many in-demand verticals including healthcare, fintech, B2B, and countless others. Our dedication to our clients and our individualized attention for each project sets us apart from our competitors.
If you’re still deciding on a CRM platform or need help making the most of your current program, reach out to WriterArmy. We can understand what your business goals are and recommend the best strategies to move forward with confidence. For more information about all of our content creation and content marketing services, contact us today!
