When implementing HubSpot for your business, you have two clear options:
Do it yourself (DIY) using internal resources
Partner with a certified HubSpot implementation expert
At first glance, DIY might seem more cost-effective. But in many cases, the real cost — in time, misconfiguration, and missed opportunities — tells a different story. In this article, we break down the total cost of ownership for both approaches so you can make the right decision for your business.
Table of Content:
1. What’s Involved in a HubSpot Implementation?
2. Cost Comparison: DIY vs HubSpot Partner
3. Hidden Costs of DIY
4. What You Gain by Working with a HubSpot Partner
5. Final Verdict: DIY or Partner?.
Whether you go DIY or use a partner, a proper HubSpot implementation should include:
CRM configuration (pipelines, properties, users)
Data import and cleanup
Email and domain setup
Contact segmentation and lifecycle stage mapping
Marketing automation workflows
Landing page and form creation
Reporting dashboards
User training and enablement
Integration with existing tools (e.g., Gmail, WhatsApp, Xero, ERP)
Missing any of these steps could limit the platform’s value or lead to long-term issues.
|
Task or Outcome |
DIY (Internal Team) |
With HubSpot Partner |
|
Platform Setup (CRM, pipelines) |
20–40 hours internal work |
Included in package |
|
Data Import & Cleanup |
Time-consuming manual work |
Guided with scripts and templates |
|
Workflow Automation |
Trial-and-error learning curve |
Best practices applied from day one |
|
Integrations (WhatsApp, Gmail, ERP) |
Often skipped or done incorrectly |
Seamless and strategic setup |
|
Reporting & Dashboards |
Requires HubSpot learning curve |
Built based on your KPIs |
|
Training |
Generic help articles |
Custom training for your team |
|
Speed to Go-Live |
1–3 months (or longer) |
3–4 weeks with structured process |
|
Risk of Rework |
High (due to misconfigurations) |
Low (based on proven frameworks) |
|
Long-Term ROI |
Slower return due to poor adoption |
Faster ROI with better adoption and use |
|
Estimated Direct Cost |
$0 upfront, but high opportunity cost |
$1,000–$5,000 depending on scope |
While the DIY route may appear to be “free,” it often comes with these hidden costs:
Time drain: Your internal team spends weeks figuring things out
Low adoption: Poor configuration results in low engagement from sales and marketing teams
Missed automation: Manual follow-ups and lead handovers reduce efficiency
Fragmented data: Poor segmentation or duplicate records slow down your funnel
No expert support: You're left troubleshooting alone when something breaks
A structured, 30-day roadmap to go live
CRM and automation tailored to your sales process
Faster, cleaner data migration
Localized implementation support (in Bahasa Indonesia if needed)
Ongoing strategic advice to maximize your investment
Working with a partner is not just about setup — it’s about getting measurable results, faster.
|
If You... |
Then... |
|
Have a small team with limited time |
Work with a HubSpot Partner |
|
Want to go live in under 1 month |
Work with a HubSpot Partner |
|
Are experimenting casually |
DIY could work (start with Free) |
|
Have strong in-house marketing ops |
DIY with guidance may be possible |
|
Need integration with multiple tools |
Partner support is highly recommended |
HubSpot is an incredibly powerful tool — but only when implemented with intention. DIY can work for very small teams or those just exploring the free tier. But for businesses looking to scale sales and marketing operations, working with a HubSpot implementation partner is almost always the smarter investment.
Considering HubSpot for your business? We can walk you through your implementation plan — with clarity, speed, and results. Contact us today.