Should You Become a HubSpot Partner?

Being a HubSpot Partner for over a year, I can confidently say that it is a valuable investment for any agency looking to expand its inbound marketing capabilities. From providing superior services to clients to enhancing our own efficiency and profitability, the benefits far outweigh the initial costs and efforts. In this article, I'll share my journey and what I've learned along the way about becoming a HubSpot Certified Partner Agency.

Background: My Journey in Inbound Marketing

Like many digital marketers, I started my career as a digital marketing specialist based in Armenia, working with primarily North American clients, many of whom were small to mid-sized businesses with revenues under $1M. With a very limited budget, every penny had to count, especially when it came to investing in tools and training. The decision to become a HubSpot Partner was one of the most significant financial commitments I've ever made, but the results have been more than worth it.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Being a HubSpot Partner

Our journey as a HubSpot Partner Agency hasn't been without its challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the key learnings and experiences:

Key Achievements

Offering More Services: With the expertise gained from HubSpot, we can now offer our clients a wider range of inbound marketing solutions, leading to increased project scope and profitability. Increased Pricing: We have successfully increased the pricing of our retainer budgets, as our new portfolio of services commands a higher value. Enhanced Client Lifetime Value: The transition to a more structured and comprehensive approach to inbound marketing has helped us build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships. Improved Retention Rates: Our clients remain with us longer due to the added value we now provide.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Planning and Research

Thorough research and detailed planning are crucial. Identify your target market and decide on a specific approach—vertical, geographic, or value-based. Conduct a SWOT analysis to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and market opportunities. Recognize that the competition is increasing rapidly; ensure your strategy is robust.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Splitting the roles among your team is essential. For instance:

Certification and Setup: One team member can focus on certifications, partnership setup, and familiarizing themselves with the tools. Lead Generation and Qualification: Another can handle lead generation and qualification, ensuring a consistent flow of quality leads. Sales and Client Handling: A third person can focus on sales for current and previous HubSpot clients, streamlining the sales process and customer relationship management.

3. Website Content Strategy

To ramp up your inbound marketing more efficiently:

Build Content: Develop a content plan for the next few months. This will help you start your HubSpot lead generation system much smoother and faster. Motivation and Time Management: As a seasoned digital marketer, you know the importance of staying focused. Starting with a solid content strategy makes it easier to manage time and resources without compromising client projects.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Overall, becoming a HubSpot Partner has been a transformative decision for our agency. While there are challenges, the benefits in terms of service offerings, client satisfaction, and business growth are significant. If you're considering joining the HubSpot Partner Program, I highly recommend it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to discuss further.

Stay ahead of the curve and discover the power of inbound marketing with HubSpot.