With the free version of HubSpot, you have the opportunity to create a website at no cost. It is important to note that you will need to purchase your own domain. The HubSpot CMS free version allows you to design a templated or themed website without charge. These free themes include 'modules' within HubSpot, which vary from free to paid options. The primary differences lie in the flexibility and customisability of the themes. If you are aiming to launch a website on a budget and can manage with minor HubSpot branding elements (which are removed in the paid versions), this option is highly beneficial.
In contrast to typical no-code or drag-and-drop website builders, which require ongoing updates and a monthly subscription to remain operational, HubSpot includes these services within your license fee, even in the free version.
The foundational CRM system assists in organising your data through various 'standard objects,' which include contacts, companies, deals, tickets, and quotes.
The free version provides the capability to create 'custom properties,' allowing you to capture data in diverse formats related to a specific object. These properties can then be utilised within 'lists,' 'filters,' and reports to concentrate on particular data sets or analyses. It is important to note that reports are restricted to HubSpot's stock library, and custom reports require a paid subscription.
For those currently using a spreadsheet as a CRM, HubSpot's free version offers a significant improvement and an excellent method for structuring your data efficiently.
If your sales process is relatively straightforward and follows a linear path, the free version of HubSpot's sales tools allows you to create deal records that can be linked to contacts, companies, and tickets within a single pipeline. Traditionally used for customer support, the ticket pipeline can also be adapted to track any internal dependencies necessary for the sales process to progress from initiation to completion. For instance, in a professional service business that requires pre-sales support to generate a specific quote, the ticket pipeline can be utilised to allow pre-sales agents to handle sales requests. This enables sales representatives to oversee the internal process, monitor the time taken to complete tasks, and set realistic expectations with prospects, ensuring a seamless engagement.
The free version provides access to one sales pipeline and one ticket pipeline. However, it is important to note that a key limitation is the lack of automation capabilities, as tasks, deals, or tickets cannot be automatically created within the free version.
Creating HubSpot-branded blogs provides an excellent opportunity to embark on your educational content creation journey, aimed at attracting, educating, and nurturing your prospects and customers.
When designing forms in HubSpot, you can utilize both standard and custom properties to populate your forms. It is crucial to keep your forms concise and focus on capturing essential information, as this approach will enhance the likelihood of higher conversion rates.
Understanding Buyer Intent is an effective method to identify website visitors and determine if any align with your ideal customer profile (ICP). This feature is still in beta (more content on this topic soon).