Whether you're bringing HubSpot into the business for the first time or now need someone to manage the platform, finding the right person for this is a vital step.
HubSpot is a powerful tool for marketing automation, CRM management, and sales enablement. However, businesses need an expert who knows the platform inside and out to unlock its full potential. This leads to a crucial decision for hiring managers: should you hire a full-time HubSpot expert or hire a contractor?
For most decision makers, the first thought would be to hire full-time and that no other route would be beneficial. But there are multiple things to consider before making that decision, so first figure out what it is you need from the CRM:
- Do you need someone to manage constantly or just to improve current workflows?
- What is your budget?
- Are you looking at short-term or long-term goals?
Both options have distinct advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each and help you determine the best choice for your organisation.
Full-Time HubSpot Expert
Pros
- Deep Integration with the Company – A full-time employee is fully immersed in your company’s culture, processes, and long-term goals. They’ll have a deeper connection with the teams and/or departments and can create more tailored strategies aligned with your business needs.
- Consistent Availability – With a contractor, they may be working with multiple clients, whereas a full-time employee will be solely dedicated to managing your HubSpot CRM.
- Long-Term Strategy Execution – If your company has ongoing, evolving HubSpot needs, a full-time hire can execute long-term plans and continuously optimise processes.
- Greater Control and Collaboration – In-house employees have easier access to communicating with cross-functional teams, making collaboration and implementation more efficient and decrease silos
Cons
- Higher Costs – Of course, hiring a full-time HubSpot expert will include a salary, benefits, NI, and any other costs for equipment and any required training. So, will this be within budget?
- Longer Hiring Process – If you need changes to be implemented as soon as possible, this may not be viable through a full-time hire due to the longer hiring process (recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, etc.)
- Potential Skill Gaps – Many HubSpot experts who are full-time hires may not have expertise in all areas of HubSpot and focus on specific areas (e.g., CRM, CMS, workflows, reporting), requiring further training or additional hires. Will you need someone who understands HubSpot as a whole?
HubSpot Contractor (Freelancer or Agency)
Pros
- Cost-Effective – Hiring a contractor means you only pay them for the time that they are required and the work you need, avoiding the expenses of full-time employment, such a NI, holidays, and sick days.
- Immediate Expertise – Most contractors can have expert knowledge in multiple tools and areas of HubSpot, bringing specialised knowledge and experience from working with multiple clients, ensuring best practices are implemented quickly.
- Flexibility and Scalability – Need extra help during a campaign launch or to fix an issue? Contractors can be brought in as needed, making them a scalable solution.
- Less Risk – Brought in a contractor who isn’t right for your business? If a contractor isn’t the right fit, you can easily switch without the complexities of offboarding a full-time employee and starting the full hiring process again.
Cons
- Limited Availability – If a contractor is working with someone currently, you won’t get their full attention to focus on your HubSpot needs, or you will have to wait until they are finished with their previous client.
- Integration and communication – As contractors are usually within a business for a short period, they may not integrate with the team as effectively as a full-time hire. Plus, regular communication will be vital to ensure that the contractor aligns with both you and the teams within the business.
- Short-Term Focus – Contractors are a great addition to the team when you need an expert to implement initial changes or to manage quick projects. But if you need someone to help you scale up constantly, a contractor isn’t right for you.
Read more about hiring a HubSpot Freelancer here: Hiring for HubSpot Partners | Steadman Hub
How to Decide: Full-Time vs. Contractor?
To determine the best option for your company, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the scope of your HubSpot needs? If HubSpot is a core part of your daily operations and long-term strategy, a full-time hire makes sense. If you only need help with occasional campaigns or system optimisation, a contractor is the better fit.
- What is your budget? If you have the budget for a salary and benefits, a full-time employee can offer consistency. If cost is a concern, a contractor may be a smarter investment to get your CRM off the ground.
- How quickly do you need results? Contractors can often start immediately with expertise in place, while a full-time hire will require recruiting and training time.
- Do you need strategic input or execution? If you need a strategic partner who grows with your company, then a full-time expert is better. If you need tactical execution and quick changes, a contractor will be best suited.
Hire through Steadman Hub
Whether you’ve made your decision or need to speak with someone to determine, Steadman Hub is here to help. We work with HubSpot customers across the UK to find full-time experts and contractors to suit your business’s needs and are happy to discuss any queries you may have.
Book a call with us today to discuss your hiring plans! Select a Date & Time - Calendly
Final Thoughts
Although we can give you as many reasons and possibilities as to which is right for you, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every business will have a different reason for implementing HubSpot into their business, and understanding what it is you want from the CRM is the most important step to understanding the best route for your hiring needs. If your HubSpot needs are continuous and complex, investing in a full-time expert may be the best approach. However, if you need specialised expertise for short-term projects or due to budget constraints, a contractor can provide excellent value.
If you’re still unsure as to which route is most suited for your HubSpot needs or have made your decision, our team is happy and ready to assist in your hiring journey. Speak with our HubSpot recruitment team to get started.
