How to choose a HubSpot Solutions Partner in Australia and New Zealand
The short answer: the best HubSpot Solutions Partner for your business is one that has implemented the hubs you need, understands the other systems you run (like NetSuite, Xero or an ERP), is clear about who does the hands-on work, and will still support you after go-live. Being local to Australia or New Zealand matters too, for time zones and for understanding how businesses here operate.
HubSpot's partner directory lists hundreds of agencies. They all carry the same "Solutions Partner" label, but they're very different businesses. Some are marketing agencies that also do HubSpot. Others focus on CRM, integrations and operations. Some are large teams, some are specialists.
Here's how to work out which kind of partner you actually need.
Start with the problem, not the partner
Before you start comparing partners, be clear on what you need help with. The right partner for a new website is not necessarily the right partner for a CRM migration. Common needs include:
- Setting up HubSpot for the first time
- Moving from another CRM, like Salesforce or Odoo
- Connecting HubSpot to finance, ERP or ecommerce systems
- Fixing a HubSpot setup that isn't working
- Building a website on HubSpot
- Ongoing marketing, content or campaigns
What to look for
Hands-on experience with your hubs
HubSpot now covers marketing, sales, service, content, data and commerce. Ask which hubs the partner has actually implemented, not just which ones they've been certified in.
Integration experience
Most of the hard problems in HubSpot projects sit at the edges, where HubSpot meets your other systems. If you run NetSuite, Xero, Stripe, an ERP or an ecommerce platform, ask how they've connected those before and how they decide which system owns which data.
Clarity on who does the work
Ask who you'll actually be working with day to day, and whether any of the work is outsourced. With a smaller specialist partner, the person scoping the project is usually the person doing it.
Process before configuration
A good partner asks how your business runs before talking about HubSpot settings. If the conversation jumps straight to features, the setup may end up reflecting the software rather than your business.
Support after go-live
Adoption, reporting and fine-tuning happen in the months after launch. Ask what support looks like once the project is "done".
Local presence
A partner in Australia or New Zealand works in your time zone, understands local tax and invoicing (GST, AUD and NZD) and knows the systems common here.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Can you show us similar work, or put us in touch with a client?
- Who will do the hands-on build?
- How will you handle our existing data and integrations?
- How will you train our team?
- Can we buy or upgrade our HubSpot subscription through you?
- What happens after go-live?
Red flags
- A proposal that's mostly a list of features, with nothing about your process
- No plan for cleaning data before a migration
- Vague answers about who does the work
- No mention of training or adoption
Frequently asked questions
What is a HubSpot Solutions Partner?
A Solutions Partner is an agency or consultancy that's part of HubSpot's partner program and helps businesses implement, integrate and get value from HubSpot. Partners are tiered based on their HubSpot work.
Do I need a partner to use HubSpot?
No, but most businesses get better results with one, especially when they're migrating from another CRM, connecting HubSpot to other systems, or setting it up across several teams.
Can a Solutions Partner sell me HubSpot?
Many can. Buying through a partner means one point of contact for both the subscription and the setup. See our post on buying HubSpot through a partner vs direct.
Does size matter when picking a Partner?
Sounds like a weird question to be asking when it comes to selecting a partner but it is definitely something to consider. Sometimes a large partner can leave you feel like a number and quite often disconnected and not knowing where your project is at. I hear this on a daily occurence. Don't get too caught up in the sales pitch and the bright shiny promises. Go with the one who has done the work before and has a solid plan to deliver the outcomes you are investing in.
About Foundry 11
Foundry 11 is a HubSpot Solutions Partner working across Australia and New Zealand, and a Celigo and Portant partner. We implement every HubSpot hub, migrate businesses from other CRMS, and connect HubSpot with systems like NetSuite, Stripe and Xero. If you're looking for a partner, get in touch.