Nexa Lab Blog – Let’s be very honest: business software stack management has slowly become quite difficult nowadays.
New software for every division in a business seems to always appear.
A managed service business owner, for instance, may already use professional service automation in project management and has had this culture for many years.
However, with the growing and more competitive market, PSA software alone won’t do the trick.
You would then be looking for new software, like Hubspot CRM, that would, in your hopes, drive more sales.
With that comes a new problem, meaning you now have 2 software running your service: PSA and CRM.
Thankfully though, it’s not a problem since CRM software like HubSpot has this thing called integrations feature.
These integrations help build a seamlessly connected ecosystem of software to enrich your capabilities and do away with data silos.
Today, let’s dive a little deeper into the HubSpot integrations, examples of their ways, and how to integrate them.
Without further ado, let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Are HubSpot Integrations?
HubSpot integrations are connections between HubSpot and other software applications that allow them to share data and functionality.
These integrations enable you to extend HubSpot’s capabilities, automate workflows across different platforms, and create a more unified view of your business operations.
Integrations can range from simple one-way data syncs to complex, bi-directional data flows with custom triggers and actions. They allow you to:
- Sync customer data across platforms
- Automate tasks and workflows
- Generate more comprehensive reports
- Enhance the functionality of both HubSpot and your integrated apps
For MSPs, integrations can be particularly powerful, allowing you to connect your HubSpot instance with tools specific to the managed services industry, as well as general business applications.
More on Nexalab’s blog: What Is HubSpot Lead Scoring? Types, How-To, and Integration Capabilities
Popular HubSpot Integration Categories
Let’s explore some of the most popular categories of HubSpot integrations, with a focus on those particularly relevant to MSPs:
1. CRM and PSA Integration
For MSPs, integrating HubSpot with your Professional Services Automation (PSA) tool can be a game-changer. This integration allows for seamless data flow between your customer relationship management and service delivery systems.
For example, integrating HubSpot with a PSA like ConnectWise or Autotask can allow you to:
- Automatically create service tickets in your PSA when certain actions occur in HubSpot
- Sync customer information between HubSpot and your PSA
- View service history and billing information from your PSA directly in HubSpot
This integration ensures that your sales and service teams are always on the same page, improving customer service and operational efficiency.
2. CRM and Sales Integrations
Beyond PSA tools, HubSpot can integrate with a variety of other CRM and sales tools. These integrations can enhance your sales process by:
- Syncing contact and deal information with other platforms
- Integrating with e-signature tools for smoother contract processes
- Connecting with sales intelligence tools for enhanced lead information
For instance, integrating HubSpot with a tool like LinkedIn Sales Navigator can provide your sales team with valuable insights about prospects directly within HubSpot.
3. Marketing Integrations
HubSpot’s marketing capabilities are robust, but integrations can take them even further. Popular marketing integrations include:
- Social media management tools
- Advanced analytics platforms
- Webinar and event management software
- Ad platforms for better campaign tracking
For example, integrating HubSpot with a tool like Adroll can allow you to track the full customer journey from ad click to closed deal, all within HubSpot.
4. Customer Service Integrations
Enhancing HubSpot’s service hub with integrations can lead to better customer support. Some useful integrations in this category include:
- Help desk and ticketing systems
- Live chat and chatbot platforms
- Customer feedback and survey tools
Integrating HubSpot with a specialised help desk tool like Zendesk, for instance, can provide your support team with a more comprehensive view of each customer’s history and issues.
5. E-commerce Integrations
While not all MSPs have e-commerce operations, those that sell products or allow online service bookings can benefit from e-commerce integrations. These can include:
- Shopping cart platforms
- Payment gateways
- Order management systems
An integration with a platform like Shopify can allow you to track customer purchases and tie them back to your marketing efforts in HubSpot.
6. Content Management Integrations
If your MSP has a significant content marketing strategy, content management integrations can be valuable. These might include:
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Digital Asset Management (DAM) platforms
- SEO tools
For example, integrating HubSpot with WordPress can allow you to manage your blog directly from HubSpot, ensuring consistent tracking and lead capture.
7. Productivity and Collaboration Integrations
Finally, integrating HubSpot with your productivity and collaboration tools can streamline your internal processes. Consider integrations with:
- Project management tools
- Team communication platforms
- Document storage and sharing services
Integrating HubSpot with a tool like Slack can allow your team to receive notifications about important HubSpot events directly in their team chat.
How to Integrate HubSpot
There are several ways to set up integrations with HubSpot. According to HubSpot official documentation, there are three ways you can integrate HubSpot: natively through App Marketplace, using Middleware, or creating custom integration using API.
Here’s the breakdown of each of them.
Native Integrations
HubSpot offers a wide range of native integrations that can be set up directly from the HubSpot marketplace. These are typically the easiest to implement and often don’t require technical expertise.
You can access this natively through HubSpot Apps Marketplace. This integration option is the easiest method you can use since you only need to install the app you want, just like when you install an app on your phone or PC.
However, the integration options can be limited since you can only integrate with the apps that are provided by HubSpot.
Middleware Integration
For more complex integrations or when a native integration isn’t available, you might use a middleware platform like Zapier or Integromat.
These platforms allow you to create custom workflows between HubSpot and other applications, even if they don’t have a direct integration.
This option, while it provides more integration opportunities, still has several limitations.
Just like native integration is limited by HubSpot as an integration provider, this integration is also limited to its providers, which are middleware like Zapier or Integromat.
Also, another thing that you need to consider is the cost.
Just like HubSpot, Zapier is subscription model software, which means you need to pay a yearly subscription for their integration module.
Custom Integration with API
For the most flexibility and customisation, you can use HubSpot’s robust API to build custom integrations. This approach requires technical expertise.
However, if your business doesn’t have it, no worries; you can always consult with integration experts like Nexalab.
With the help of integration experts, you can ensure that your custom integration with HubSpot’s API is done efficiently and effectively. This can save you time and resources in the long run, while also providing a seamless integration experience for your business.
More on Nexalab’s blog: HubSpot Automation Guide, How Does It Work, Examples, and Best Practices
Conclusion
HubSpot integrations offer a powerful way to enhance your MSP’s operations, creating a more connected and efficient business ecosystem. With the right integrations in place, you can transform HubSpot from a powerful standalone tool into the central hub of a highly efficient, data-driven MSP operation.
Investing in CRM software like HubSpot is a smart move for any business looking to improve sales, marketing, and customer service.
But to get the most out of your CRM, it needs to work with your other tools.
Nexalab’s App Fusion can help you integrate HubSpot CRM with other essential platforms, like PSA software, for example. This means you get a complete view of your customer data, automate repetitive tasks, and personalise your customer interactions. It’s a solution that helps you get the most out of your CRM investment.