After rounds and rounds of meetings, audits, and goal evaluation, you finally come to terms with the fact that your marketing efforts have turned stale and you need a good push!
Those meetings helped you jot down the loopholes in your marketing strategy. You understand that you’re in need of some good inbound marketing play.
Inbound Marketing isn’t a new name in the market. Companies know that they need to publish high quality relevant content to connect with their audience and gain loyalty. The technicalities aren’t enough anymore.
So, you decide to get help from an inbound marketing expert. And who’s better than the brainbox behind it, HubSpot!
But HubSpot, considering its AWESOME marketing tactics, is costly. The next best thing is HubSpot Solutions Partners who provide HubSpot services on a budget.
Let’s first understand who these partners are and what made them eligible for providing HubSpot services.
What Is A HubSpot Solutions Partner And Why Do You Need Them?
Although anyone can buy HubSpot, only a skilled professional can fully utilize the platform’s operational advances. If you’re new to HubSpot but don’t think you’re making the most of the system, collaborating with a HubSpot Solutions Partner to do the technical work can be helpful.
In order for agencies to become a successful HubSpot Solutions Partner, HubSpot aligns with those that are gurus in their field.
Each agency uses the HubSpot platform to a different extent, applying the inbound technique and offering advanced client solutions.
HubSpot Solutions Marketing agencies that apply to become partners are provided additional sales and marketing training, direct account managers through HubSpot, and a variety of other HubSpot resources they can also use to better help their customers if and when HubSpot accepts them as partners.
The HubSpot tier system is used to rank each HubSpot Solutions Partner. The better a company’s services and support staff are, the more clients they have successfully assisted in using HubSpot, and the higher a company’s tier.
Like every other HubSpot Partner is required to, We, at MakeWebBetter have had an amazing journey of achievements. Here’s a representation of our journey with HubSpot, starting as a HubSpot Partner, and working our way through Gold, Platinum, Diamond, up to Elite.
Are There Different Kinds of HubSpot Solutions Partners?
Yes, there are!
As we know that there are all sorts of different digital marketing agencies, so they can simply apply for the HubSpot Solutions Partner program, and start serving their customers according to the HubSpot services they use for their inbound marketing.
And just like that, you have a plethora of different types of top HubSpot partners. Some agencies, like MakeWebBetter, work with full service programs, including inbound marketing, content marketing, social media, web designing, HubSpot products and integrations, and more.
While some agencies focus on one specific customer service HubSpot provides, like inbound marketing consulting, sales support, or designing websites.
If you are looking for a HubSpot Solutions Partner, just know that we’re all different. And hence you need to do some digging and ask some HubSpot agency questions and answers.
Wondering what kind of HubSpot agency questions you should ask? Well, relax!
I’m here to your rescue with the top 15 HubSpot agency questions that you must ask your HubSpot Solutions Partner agency before you put your John Hancock on the papers!
HubSpot Agency Questions You Should Ask Your Potential Solutions Partner
Grab your checklist and start throwing these questions at your to-be HubSpot Solutions Partner agency to make sure that your business is going in the right hands.
Why HubSpot?
The first thing you should ask your Partner is why exactly did they choose to work with HubSpot. This will help you determine whether your agency actually works with central HubSpot actively or is just trying to earn its crust.
If you’re lucky, their response will be somewhere between the lines of, “Oh, HubSpot is a great inbound marketing tool. We use it ourselves and our business has never been better.”
This means that because they use HubSpot themselves, they are familiar with every fold of the platform and will provide you with the right services.
But, if they respond with something like, “Our competitors use it, and the clients seem to demand for it.”
SKIP! It’s a sign that they are not that familiar with HubSpot and will not serve you with the right features and advances.
| Wanna know our reason for going with HubSpot? Here’s your answer! |
How long have you been a HubSpot Solutions Partner?
This is a critical question. Experience comes with time, so you need to know how much time your HubSpot Solutions Partner has spent working with central HubSpot.
An agency might be holding a marketing experience for over 10 years, but that is not an indication of whether they have any amount of experience with central HubSpot, let alone being inch-perfect.
Ask them how long they have been a HubSpot Solutions Partner. And while you’re at it, ask them how much experience they have using the platform for themselves.
Look for no less than one year of active experience both working with and for HubSpot.
Well, in the case of experience with HubSpot, here’s all about us!
Do you focus on specific industries?
Make sure that your agency understands how to tackle inbound in your industry, and ideally, that they have prior expertise in that field. If they do, this could work in your favor.
If they are familiar with your industry, they should be aware of what works and does not work for your target audience.
It’s not necessarily a problem if they haven’t worked in your industry yet. They could still be able to accomplish an excellent job. After all, you’re looking for an agency that aces in inbound marketing, not your specialty.
Do you outsource your work?
When you’re investing your hard earned money, you need to know exactly where it’s going. I mean, what if you hired an agency and they handover the work to some other agency that might not even be credible?
It is extremely crucial to know exactly where your dollars are flowing. And hence, dig your agency to the roots. Ask them whether they outsource any of their work, and if so, then what percentage of work exactly do they outsource.
Having said that, outsourcing isn’t necessarily a villain in your marketing story. It’s good to have your work done through a well-established, seasoned outsourcing company. However, you need to know that the company is actually credible and does fit your business needs and standards. Also, ask your agency whether they guarantee the work delivered by the source.
Are all your team members individually certified?
The sign of a good team is its intellectual members!
If an agency is truly trying to work its way up the top in the HubSpot game, it won’t just stop at being a HubSpot Solutions Partner. It will go to the extent of having each and every member on the team certified in their respective fields of knowledge and expertise.
Moreover, when HubSpot Academy itself is handing out free courses, why wouldn’t we rush for the certification?
What good company keeps their employees in the dark without providing any learning opportunities? We know we don’t. And that is why we ensure that all the members of our amazing team are HubSpot certified.
Don’t forget to ask for individual certifications as well as company-wise certifications and achievements so you know the pace of growth for the employees and the agency.
That being said,
| Even though it’s not a deal-breaker if they aren’t, knowing that each team member is qualified in their field of expertise adds an extra layer of assurance and confidence that you’ll get your money’s worth.
– David Bitton, Co-Founder and CMO at DoorLoop |
Which hubs do you work with?
Our regular readers and HubSpot users already know that HubSpot isn’t just a CRM platform, it is an avenue of tools that help your business flourish as the day passes.
Calling them Hubs, HubSpot provides a total of five software products:
- Marketing Hub, for marketing automation
- Sales Hub, for sales CRM
- Service Hub, for customer service
- CMS Hub, for content management
- Operations Hub, for data syncing, cleaning, and curation
Sewing all these hubs together, the incredibly in-depth CRM platform HubSpot comes into action.
Hence, before you begin working with a HubSpot Solutions Partner agency, check out which Hubs they are most familiar with (and make sure that experience benefits you).
Free Download HubSpot Audit Checklist
Audit your HubSpot portal the right way! DIY.
Why should I choose you?
This is a HubSpot agency question that every partner awaits. So expect a glittered compelling response; don’t let that glitter blindsight you.
Perhaps the agency excels in particular industries or their team might seem qualified with all the professional tone they use. But don’t just believe them because they “said so”.
Look for agencies that have experience in your particular industry or niche, and that can provide concrete examples of their success with similar businesses.
Ask for documentation and proof of their work, ask them if they have quotes and acquaintances for their work. If they are a legit company, they would leave no stone unturned trying to compel you because this is their chance to get your attention.
However, if you find their answers to be generic and effortless, ask yourself if you want your business in the hands of an agency that doesn’t even bother pitching themselves.
And now, a small display of who we are at MakeWebBetter.
| Pause. Let me first give you our no-glitter, unfiltered pitch. After all, this is our chance!
So, Here’s Why MakeWebBetter Is Considered Among The Best HubSpot Agencies? |
Who is going to be working with me?
Under this HubSpot question, we will talk about the good old bait-and-switch tactics of companies. Yeah, the one where they show you their best performing, seasoned professionals, and then discreetly hook you up with an intern who might not have the expertise that your business needs.
Yes, people still do that. And this is why, to prevent getting stuck up with someone who is not compatible with your business structure and needs, make sure to clear up on exactly who is going to be your communication partner.
| Communication is key when working with an agency, so make sure you are comfortable with the agency’s communication style and frequency.
– Jon Morgan, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Venture Smarter |
It’s important to know who will be working on your account and what their qualifications and experience are. Ask about the agency’s team structure and how they allocate resources to each client. You want to make sure that you’re working with a team that is knowledgeable, responsive, and committed to your success.
Try to have a healthy communication with your agent from the time they’re reaching out to you so you are comfortable and confident in their work and so are they in your business.
What kind of campaign should I expect from you based on my business’ structure?
When it comes to working with a HubSpot agency, it’s essential to know what to expect during the assessment process.
One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t expect a detailed plan from the agency during the assessment. Instead, you can anticipate getting an overview of the types of campaigns that the agency believes will work for your business, more like a peek into the strategy.
This information can be incredibly valuable, as it will help you determine if the agency is on the same page as you and can deliver the results you’re looking for.
If you’re unsure of what HubSpot agency questions to ask partners during the assessment, consider focusing on topics that are relevant to your business. For example, you may want to ask about the agency’s experience with creating content for your specific industry, or if they have any success stories that they can share.
Some other potential topics to explore during the assessment include the agency’s approach to SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.
What is your pricing structure?
Here comes the money talk, like it or not!
As a business owner seeking a HubSpot agency partner, it’s crucial to ensure that the pricing structure aligns with your pocket allowance and business goals. A transparent pricing structure can help ensure a successful and long-term partnership, so it’s essential to seek a detailed breakdown of costs and services included in the agency’s packages.
When considering pricing structures, it’s important to note that some HubSpot growth agency partners charge a flat fee for their services, while others use a retainer-based model. However, one popular pricing structure is the point-based system.
The point-based system assigns a point value to each deliverable, which is based on factors such as task complexity and the amount of time it takes to complete. The client is then charged a set number of monthly points based on the scope of work agreed upon. This pricing structure can help ensure that both the agency and client are on the same page regarding the services being provided and the associated costs.
As you search for the right HubSpot certified agency partner, be sure to ask questions about their pricing structure and how they handle additional work or changes in scope. By understanding the pricing structure, you can make an informed decision and establish a partnership that benefits your business in the long run.
Ready to start working with HubSpot?
How will you track the success metrics?
Every HubSpot marketing agency has its own approach and pace of work. However, it usually takes about a year to see the results of your inbound marketing efforts. Therefore as a logical consequence, don’t expect to see significant results right away.
But, we got your back. Lets see what Andreea has to say about effective HubSpot agencies –
Signs my HubSpot agency is fruitful or not:
– Andreea Saveluc, Outreach Team Leader at Husky Hamster |
In terms of tracking your progress, some agencies may provide you with a comprehensive report every few months. But, let’s be honest, that information can quickly become out of date.
As a result, the best agencies will send you monthly updates and detailed marketing reports. Who has the luxury of waiting for quarterly reports, after all?
Can you share some client success stories and feedback?
Sure thing, a stretched catalog of clients looks very attractive at a distance. But are all these clients satisfied with the work the agency provides?
Are they decorated with client testimonials the way they are with a list of them?
To get the answer, ask them for case studies, metrics, testimonials, and other specifics. But don’t be swayed just by the big numbers either.
Look into the clientele’s feedback, study their behavior, and have a clear understanding of how the agency treats their clients. Moreover, look into how much time a client invests in them, and what strategies, products, and solutions have they used for them.
Here’s what we bring to the table –
Safe to say, our customers LOVE us!
How do I know that you will meet my expectations?
Looking to partner with an agency that goes above and beyond for you?
Then it’s crucial to inquire about their feedback mechanism. Sure, emails, surveys, and weekly calls may be part of the plan, but you should look for an agency that’s passionate about exceeding your expectations.
Find out how they ensure a constant flow of feedback. Ask them HubSpot questions like, Are their leaders involved in the loop? Do they attend calls? Are they operating on an NPS system? Or do they even listen to the feedback, if any?
Ultimately, you want to work with an agency that values more than just the completion of deliverables. They should prioritize your happiness throughout the process. After all, their preparedness to tackle issues is critical to the success of your project and your company’s growth. Discussing these plans early on can help ensure you receive the level of service you desire.
Keep in mind that partnering with an agency is a significant commitment. So, it’s reassuring to know that they’re also evaluating you for fit. This shows that they care about the work they do and who they work with.
What will the timeline look like for the inbound strategy?
It’s essential to figure out when and how different aspects of your inbound marketing strategy will be incorporated in the coming months. Knowing what to expect will permit you to keep tabs on your progress.
A (pretty tough) timeline ought to additionally provide you with peace of mind, as well as a point of reference for both you and the agency. You shouldn’t need to chase for updates once a timeline has been agreed upon because you’ll already know what is happening with the project.
How do you manage client communication and collaboration?
It may appear that you are projecting a bit, but when evaluating an agency, you should inquire about how the agency manages client communication and collaboration.
As a client, you want your ring fenced agency hours to be spent on actual work, not project management and administration, though you should expect project management to take up about 10% of your budget.
Agencies that have put in place proper platforms and processes to manage client communication, collaboration, project management, reporting, and billing spend far less time managing client relationships and business operations and far more time getting work done.
|
To determine if my HubSpot agency was fruitful, I assessed their responsiveness, the quality of their work, and the results they delivered. – Damjan Tanaskovic, CMO at Localizely |
The level of sophistication displayed by an agency in these areas is frequently an indication of their level of experience dealing with clients of your size and complexity.
Ensure that you are familiar with and believe the agency’s processes for setting deadlines, executing work, gathering feedback, measuring results, and ongoing utilization.
Conclusion
Working with an agency is a significant commitment that can have long-term consequences for your business. A good agency understands this, so while you’re evaluating them for fit, they should be evaluating you as well.
This is a good sign because it shows that the agency cares about the work it does and who it does it with.
In the end, all of the HubSpot agency questions and brainstorming comes down to one thing – Expertise.
All these HubSpot agency questions reflect the expertise of your potential HubSpot partner. Adding to that, these HubSpot questions build confidence and coherence among your business and the agency you choose to work with.
So, go on, ask us these HubSpot agency questions. I’m sure our responses will influence you to work with us!
