CRM, or customer relationship management, software is a vital tool for taking your business to the next level. If you’re considering incorporating CRM for sales and marketing in your business, chances are you’re already familiar with two of the biggest players in the sales and marketing automation software game -- HubSpot and Salesforce.
While both HubSpot and Salesforce offer a suite of features designed to help you connect with your target customers, knowing which option is best for your unique business needs may require some more in-depth comparison.
Get to Know Salesforce
Considered by many to be the pioneer in cloud-based CRM, Salesforce began its operations in 1999 like many other tech startups -- a handful of like-minded individuals working together to develop an idea born out of a San Francisco apartment. The company’s focus since opening its doors has been on helping businesses better serve their customers through deep insights and communication initiatives designed to build strong customer relationships.
Salesforce organizes its product offerings around two key initiatives -- service need and customer industry. While they understand how to serve startups and SMBs on a smaller scale, their success has largely been founded on providing full-service customer insights to expanding companies. Some of the world’s most recognized brands trust Salesforce for their CRM needs, and Salesforce has earned the recognition as the world's number one CRM platform multiple years in a row.
Get to Know HubSpot
Also founded from humble beginnings, HubSpot began operations in 2005. The company was born out of the notion that inbound marketing is the new paradigm for repeatable sales. The founders believed that customers don’t want to be harassed by marketing messages or sold through advertising -- they want to be helped.
With this idea as the center of its company culture, HubSpot grew into a global company focused on helping businesses understand how to grow by treating customers the way they want to be treated. HubSpot’s focus has always been on helping. They built an entire ecosystem around services, support, and educational materials that provide businesses at all levels the tools they need to reach just a little bit farther.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
While both companies serve the B2B CRM market, neither company is the clear winner for all businesses. Salesforce and HubSpot have carved out unique niches for their product and service offerings, and each company delivers those offerings in ways that make them a better fit for some businesses than others.
Explore this side-by-side comparison of the key differentiators between Salesforce vs. HubSpot.
Best for Your Business
Based on our analysis, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which CRM solution is best for your business. However, the unique combination of feature sets and delivery mechanisms makes each solution the clear winner for certain user groups.
Best CRM for Startups: HubSpot
With its low cost of entry, easy setup process, and a myriad of free resources available, HubSpot is the natural fit for startups and microbusinesses looking for a CRM solution. The user interface is also more intuitive than Salesforce’s robust interface, which can help you build out your CRM process quickly without extensive downtime or investment in learning new software.
Best CRM for Heavy Tech Users: Salesforce
Heavy tech users will appreciate Salesforce’s detailed analytics, multiple customization options, and extensive integrations with other software programs. Building out highly automated and complex CRM programs is no problem with the extensive suite of tools offered through Salesforce.
Best CRM for Fast and Easy Startup: HubSpot
If you need to get your CRM program up and running quickly, HubSpot will likely be your preferred solution. HubSpot offers multiple free training videos, an intuitive interface, and most basic programs can be set up in less than 15 minutes with an import of existing customer data.
However, businesses with in-depth support needs or complex CRM funnels may find Salesforce support models more cost-effective. Support sessions for custom implementation with HubSpot can cost upwards of $5,000.
Best CRM for a Rich Feature Set: Salesforce
From customizable dashboards and reporting tools to time-saving integration and workflow options, Salesforce is the unequivocal leader in feature sets for CRM software. For businesses who want everything and the kitchen sink, Salesforce provides features that have elevated the brand to the number one spot as the most robust CRM tool for business leaders across all industries.
HubSpot vs. Salesforce: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Depending on the unique needs of your company, you may still feel unsure as to which CRM offering is best positioned to serve your business both now and in the future. Contact GSI today to learn more about how we can help you find and implement the ideal solution for your needs.