You might be considering a HubSpot agency for future partnership.
It can be an amazing decision which can change the way you conduct your business, and efficiency might end up being the main motto.
But, it will only happen if you select the right kind of agency for your business. HubSpot has almost 1400 tiered partners, and more than 4500 untiered partners. Not everyone can be your partner, so we have prepared a 20-question questionnaire for you.
You can download the questionnaire by clicking here.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the questions:
1. Deep HubSpot Knowledge
You have to make sure that the HubSpot partner knows the platform inside and out. A partner that doesn’t have a deep understanding of HubSpot, can do basic things, but they can not extract complete value out of the software, which should be your main goal.
2. Certifications
You have to make sure that the agency you’re trying to deal with holds relevant HubSpot certifications. Most high level agencies hold over a hundred certifications. You can ask to see the certifications in the discovery calls. We also have over a hundred certifications.
3. Industry Experience
Even though this is not a deal breaker, it is better if the agency has worked with clients in your industry. That would mean that they can understand your objectives better, and even give you suggestions on specific areas where even you might not be aware of the benefits.
4. Business Goal Alignment
A good HubSpot agency understands that their role extends beyond simply using the platform. They should demonstrate a clear grasp of your business objectives. This means they can align their strategies and tactics with your overall goals.
5. Responsiveness
A responsive agency values your time and priorities. They should answer your queries in a timely manner, whether it's through email, phone, or chat. This indicates their commitment to your project and their ability to address your concerns efficiently.
6. Clear Communication
Effective communication is essential for a successful partnership. A good agency can articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. They keep you informed about project progress, challenges, and solutions. Transparency in communication builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
7. Project Management Skills
Strong project management skills are crucial for keeping your project on track. A good agency can create detailed project plans, set realistic timelines, and manage resources effectively. They should also be able to adapt to changes and unexpected challenges.
If you have a project management tool you use, you can clarify that during the discovery call as well.
8. Team Collaboration
A successful partnership involves seamless collaboration. A good agency can work cohesively with your internal team, sharing information, providing feedback, and incorporating your input. They should be open to your ideas and willing to find common ground.
If you have any developmental needs, then this becomes an ever bigger issue, and team collaboration becomes a necessity. Always make sure to ask this in the discovery calls.
9. Case Studies
Look for agencies that can share detailed examples of successful projects with clients similar to you. These case studies should outline the challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
In our case studies, you will be able to see specific issues solved during a specific client’s tenure. If you never saw any case studies from the HubSpot Agency, you should ask about this in the discovery call, and see the way they respond.
10. Client Testimonials
Positive feedback from previous clients is a strong indicator of an agency's performance. Look for testimonials that highlight the agency's expertise, communication, and results.
We allow any of our big and prospective clients to even reach out to our previous clients and partners for clarifications regarding our processes and work policy.
11. Measurable ROI
A good agency can demonstrate their ability to deliver tangible results. They should be able to quantify the impact of their work through metrics like increased leads, higher conversion rates, or improved customer satisfaction.
12. Data-Driven Approach
Successful agencies rely on data to inform their strategies. They should be able to show how they use analytics to optimize campaigns and measure performance. If you want to test them, you can even ask them to create dummy reports for metrics you want to see.
A good HubSpotter can always find a way to figure out how to show you specific data.
13. Aligned Values
A good agency shares your company's core values and beliefs. This is often a deal breaker, and it is fine if it is a deal breaker for you. But you should not work with an agency that doesn't share your core values.
We are extremely upfront about our own core values, and we will answer any questions related to this in our calls. Make sure you work with an agency that will do the same for you as well.
14. Transparency
Open and honest communication is essential. An agency that is transparent about its processes, pricing, and expectations builds trust.
Transparency doesn’t just stay limited to processes. We will even show you screenshots taken from the office computers for the hours we will bill you. This is the level of integrity we are bound by. Make sure you are working with a similar agency.
15. Ethical Practices
Choose an agency that adheres to industry standards and regulations. This ensures fair and ethical business practices.
Even though it doesn’t apply everywhere, we make sure our policies don't support unethical practices. You can also do that, and not select agencies that do.
16. Competitive Pricing
While cost is important, avoid focusing solely on the lowest price. Often, the “lowest” price will give you the lowest service as well. That is why, if you can, extend your budget to have a good agency work for you, rather than a mediocre one.
You can talk to multiple agencies and compare packages and services offered to ensure you're getting good value.
17. Flexible Packages
A good agency offers various packages to accommodate different budgets and needs. This shows flexibility and a willingness to tailor their services.
We will give you a fully customisable quote that you can tailor to your own needs and send it back to us. Not every agency will, or can do that. You might not even need this much flexibility for what you do, but this is generally a good sign.
18. Value for Money
Consider the long-term benefits an agency can bring to your business. Look beyond the initial investment and focus on the potential return. A higher upfront cost might be justified if the agency delivers exceptional results and drives significant growth, and most of the big name agencies will ask for an upfront fee.
19. Thorough Onboarding
An in-depth understanding of your business allows the agency to tailor their strategies effectively. They should ask probing questions to uncover your specific needs and challenges. A smooth onboarding process sets the stage for a successful partnership.
If you feel that the agency doesn’t understand your business well enough, do not hesitate to switch the agency, because otherwise you can get stuck with a HubSpot portal you don’t have any use for.
20. Clear Expectations
Open communication about project deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities is crucial for managing expectations. A clear understanding of roles and responsibilities prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is aligned towards the same goals.
Now that you know how you can find if a HubSpot company is good, it is time to find one that suits your needs.
But, don’t forget to download the checklist from here!
We wish you best of luck on your project!