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The following HubspotCRM review is grounded in my personal experiences with setting up and utilizing CRM systems. With over two decades of experience in using CRM software, I possess a solid understanding of their setup and operation. However, it's important to note that I am not a computer expert. My evaluations are based on the software's intuitiveness, ease of setup and use, and its integration into the workflow of a busy salesperson or business owner. I have great respect for anyone who dedicates their time to developing software with the aim of enhancing operations. While a particular software package may not align with my specific needs, it doesn't imply that it won't be suitable or happily adopted by others. This review solely reflects my own experiences.
This review is based on the free version of HubSpot CRM which covers almost all the functionality of the paid version.
HubSpot CRM Utility Review - Its Look and Feel
How user-friendly is the UI of HubSpot CRM?
HubSpot CRM is renowned for its user-friendly interface. The design is modern, clean, and uncluttered, making it easy for users of all levels to navigate. The right-hand sidebar provides quick access to key features such as Insights, Activity and your Schedule.
Does HubSpot CRM include a customisable dashboard with widgets for a personalised start page?
Yes, HubSpot CRM offers customisable dashboards. Navigate to the main dashboard.
Click on 'Add report' at the top right.
Choose from a variety of widgets such as sales performance, deal forecast, and task performance.
Once added, you can click and drag to rearrange the widgets.
Click on the 'Edit' button on any widget to customize its settings.
This feature allows you to create a personalized page that displays the most relevant data for your role and objectives.
While HubSpot CRM offers a broad suite of features designed to facilitate and enhance customer relationship management, it does present certain areas for improvement. Specifically, the dashboard can seem somewhat cumbersome to some users, and its interactivity may not compare favourably with competing products in the market. The absence of a dynamic homepage providing an at-a-glance view of the day's agenda compared to other CRM offerings also marks a deficiency in HubSpot's user experience. These shortcomings hint that HubSpot CRM's interface design could benefit from more refinement to improve its overall usability and effectiveness.
How intuitive is the contact interface in HubSpot CRM?
The contact interface in HubSpot CRM is highly intuitive. Here's how you can use it:
Navigate to 'Contacts' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on any contact to view their detailed profile.
The profile displays a timeline of interactions, contact information, and associated deals.
You can add notes, schedule tasks, and track communication history directly from the contact profile.
This interface provides a 360-degree view of each contact, making it easy to manage relationships and track interactions.
The screen is split into 3 sections.
Left side all information relating to the contact from telephone number, email, linkedin profile plus custom fields.
In the centre are all your communications and tasks.
Right side you have company information, tickets, deals, attachments etc.
It is very neatly laid out and very easy to work through.
Does HubSpot CRM support click-to-dial functionality and how to configure it?
Yes, HubSpot CRM supports click-to-dial functionality through its integration with various VoIP providers. Here's how to configure it:
Navigate to 'Integrations' from the main menu.
Search for your VoIP provider.
Click on the provider's icon and follow the instructions to connect your account.
Once connected, you can click on any phone number in the CRM to dial it directly.
This feature streamlines the calling process, saving time and reducing the risk of dialing errors. This is really helpful when you just want to get dialing!
HubSpot CRM Sales Process Review
What are the steps to effortlessly import leads into the HubSpot CRM system?
Importing leads into HubSpot CRM is a straightforward process:
Navigate to 'Contacts' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on 'Import' in the top right corner.
Select 'Start an import'.
Choose to import a file, import from an integrated app, or copy and paste data.
Follow the prompts to complete the import process.
This feature makes it easy to transfer leads from other systems or spreadsheets into HubSpot CRM, ensuring all your data is in one place.
You can also automate HubSpot CRM so that any new email contact will be automatically added to your HubSpot database. It really saves time from manual entry.
What features does the HubSpot CRM Chrome extension offer for enhanced CRM functionality?
The HubSpot CRM Chrome extension enhances CRM functionality by integrating with your Gmail or Outlook inbox. Here's what it offers:
Email tracking: You can track when your emails are opened or clicked.
One-click access to contact, deal, and company records
Automatic logging of calls and emails
Enrichment of contact and company records
Task creation and management
Real-time notifications and updates
CRM integration: You can access and update your CRM directly from your Outlook or Gmail inbox.
To use these features, install the HubSpot CRM Chrome extension and connect it to your email account.
How to seamlessly scrape and import LinkedIn data into the HubSpot CRM system?
HubSpot CRM does not have a native way of adding contacts in from LinkedIn.
However, HubSpot CRM offers an integration with Sales Navigator, although it's worth noting that this is a pricier option. Alternatively, you can import data from LinkedIn using third-party Chrome extensions such as Hubris and Linkport. While I found the setup process for Hubris to be quite complex, Linkport has proven to be a more user-friendly alternative.
How to conveniently add contacts and tasks to HubSpot CRM while inside your email client?
With the HubSpot CRM Chrome extension, you can add contacts and tasks directly from your email client. Here's how:
Open an email in your Gmail or Outlook inbox.
Click on the HubSpot icon to open the CRM sidebar.
Click on 'Add Contact' or 'Add Task'.
Enter the contact or task details and click 'Save'.
This feature allows you to manage your CRM without leaving your inbox, saving time and improving productivity.
While the email Chrome extension for task creation provides basic functionality, such as adding a task description and setting a due date, I found its capabilities somewhat restrictive. The extension could benefit from additional features, such as the ability to assign tasks to specific team members, prioritise tasks, or categorise them based on their nature. These enhancements would provide a more comprehensive task management experience directly from your inbox
How to effectively segment leads in HubSpot CRM for targeted marketing?
HubSpot CRM allows you to segment leads using its Lists tool. Here's how:
Navigate to 'Lists' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on 'Create list'.
Select 'Active list'.
Set criteria for your list based on contact properties, website activity, email engagement, and more.
Click 'Save'.
Custom Fields:
Identify the attributes and behaviours of your leads that are relevant to your marketing objectives.
Create custom properties in HubSpot CRM to capture this information and use them to segment your leads.
Assign lead scores to prioritise leads based on their level of engagement and interest in your products or services.
Group leads by different criteria such as location, industry, job title, interests, or demographics.
Use list and filter tools to create targeted marketing campaigns for different segments.
Remember that effective lead segmentation is an ongoing process, and that you may need to refine your segmentation strategy over time based on changing market conditions and customer preferences.
This feature allows you to create targeted marketing campaigns based on specific segments, improving engagement and conversion rates.
Where and how to create tasks in HubSpot CRM and what other features does it offer for lead follow-up?
Tasks in HubSpot CRM can be created in the 'Tasks' section of your account. Here's how:
Navigate to 'Tasks' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on 'Create task'.
Enter the task details and assign it to a contact or a deal.
Click 'Save'.
For lead follow-up, HubSpot CRM offers task reminders, task queues, and the ability to associate tasks with specific deals. These features ensure you never miss a follow-up and stay on top of your sales process.
While HubSpot CRM does provide a standard framework for maintaining contact with customers, leads, and prospects, there are other CRM systems in the market that streamline this process even further. The task of creating and updating reminders to stay in touch with your contacts can be somewhat time-consuming and cumbersome within the current setup. A more intuitive, less labour-intensive system for managing these interactions could significantly enhance the user experience.
What features does HubSpot CRM offer to efficiently track deals and manage your sales pipeline?
HubSpot CRM provides a visual sales pipeline for tracking deals. Here's how you can use it:
Navigate to 'Deals' from the left-hand sidebar.
The sales pipeline displays deals at various stages.
You can create multiple pipelines and customize pipeline stages.
Drag-and-drop deals between stages to update their status.
Additional features include deal forecasting, deal rotting alerts, and detailed deal reports. These tools provide insights into your sales performance and help identify opportunities for improvement.
HubSpot CRM Communication Review
How to efficiently track emails in HubSpot CRM and integrate it with Microsoft Outlook and Gmail?
HubSpot CRM offers efficient email tracking and integration with Microsoft Outlook and Gmail. Here's how to set it up:
Navigate to 'Email' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on 'Email Integrations'.
Follow the instructions to connect your email account.
Once connected, you can track email opens and clicks, schedule emails, and log emails to your CRM directly from your email client.
This feature allows you to monitor email engagement and follow up with prospects at the right time.
What software integrations does HubSpot CRM offer for enhanced business functionality?
HubSpot CRM offers a wide range of software integrations for enhanced business functionality. These include integrations with:
Email clients like Microsoft Outlook and Gmail for email tracking.
Marketing software like Mailchimp for email marketing.
Customer service software like Zendesk for customer support.
Accounting software like QuickBooks for financial management.
Project management tools like Trello and Asana for task management.
Does HubSpot CRM feature a built-in email marketing function for mass emailing leads?
Yes, HubSpot CRM does feature a built-in email marketing function for mass emailing leads. Here's how to use it:
Navigate to "Marketing" > "Email" in your HubSpot account.
Click "Create email."
Choose a template for your email.
Customise your email content using the email editor.
Choose your recipients by selecting a list of contacts or adding individual contacts.
Click "Send" or "Schedule" to send your email immediately or schedule it for later.
This feature allows you to send mass emails to leads, track engagement, and optimize your email marketing strategy.
How user-friendly and functional is the HubSpot CRM mobile app for on-the-go CRM management?
The HubSpot CRM mobile app is highly user-friendly and functional. It offers most of the features available in the web version, including:
Contact management: View and edit contact profiles, add notes, and schedule tasks.
Email tracking: Get real-time notifications for email opens and clicks.
Task management: View and complete tasks, and get reminders for upcoming tasks.
Deal tracking: Monitor your sales pipeline and update deal stages.
The app also provides real-time notifications for important events, ensuring you stay connected and responsive while on the go.
HubSpot CRM USP Review
What unique features set HubSpot CRM apart from other CRM systems in the market?
HubSpot CRM sets itself apart with its comprehensive suite of features, intuitive interface, and seamless integrations. Unique features include:
Visual sales pipeline: Get a clear overview of your sales process and track deals at various stages.
Built-in email marketing: Send mass emails, track engagement, and optimize your strategy.
LinkedIn data scraping: Enrich your contact data with valuable insights from LinkedIn.
Free version: Access a robust set of CRM tools at no cost, with unlimited users and up to 1,000,000 contacts.
These features, combined with HubSpot's commitment to user experience and customer support, make HubSpot CRM a standout choice in the CRM market.
Is HubSpot CRM really free?
Yes, HubSpot CRM is really free. The free version offers a comprehensive set of CRM tools, including contact management, email tracking, task scheduling, and deal tracking. It allows for unlimited users and up to 1,000,000 contacts, with no time limit or expiration date.
How much does HubSpot cost?
While HubSpot CRM is free, HubSpot also offers premium products for marketing, sales, and customer service. The cost of these products varies depending on the features and level of service you choose. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it's best to check the HubSpot website or contact their sales team.
As of June 2023
Conclusion
Hey Sales Warriors,
HubSpot CRM is a robust and user-friendly CRM system that offers a plethora of features designed to streamline your sales process and enhance your business operations. Whether you're a salesperson or a small business owner seeking a free CRM solution, or a large enterprise in need of a comprehensive suite of sales tools, HubSpot CRM is a compelling option to consider.
The free version of HubSpot CRM is impressively rich in features, making it an excellent starting point for those new to CRM systems or those with budget constraints. However, to unlock the full potential of the system, upgrading to the $30 per month paid version is recommended. This version provides additional capabilities that can significantly enhance your sales and marketing efforts.
It's important to note that HubSpot offers the free version of their CRM as a gateway into the HubSpot ecosystem. While this ecosystem is comprehensive and can provide an all-in-one solution for your sales, marketing, and service needs, it can become quite costly if you decide to upgrade to their full marketing suite.
That being said, the value proposition of HubSpot CRM, even at the free level, is hard to beat. But remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. It's crucial to consider your specific needs, sales process, and growth plans when choosing a CRM. So, give the free version of HubSpot CRM a try and see if it aligns with your business requirements and sales strategy.
