How to evaluate potential HubSpot developers
Not all HubSpot developers are created equal. To make sure you’re hiring someone who can deliver what you need, take a close look at their skills, experience, and approach. Here’s how to assess your options:
Check their certifications and expertise
Look for developers who are HubSpot-certified, especially in the CMS Hub. These certifications show they’ve completed HubSpot’s training and know the platform inside and out. Make sure they understand HubSpot’s tech stack, including HubL, Modular Development, and how to integrate with HubSpot’s CRM and tools.
Look at their experience, portfolio, and references
Ask to see examples of websites they’ve built, especially ones on HubSpot. A strong portfolio will show they’ve worked on projects similar to yours. Reach out to past clients to ask about their experience working with the developer. Did they deliver on time? Stay within budget? Communicate well?
By taking the time to evaluate certifications, experience, and communication style, you’ll find a developer who’s not just technically capable but also a great fit for your project.
Which road to choose? In-house vs. freelance vs. agency
The right choice depends on your specific needs and the scale of your project. Here’s how the options stack up:
- Freelance: Sometimes more budget-friendly for small projects, but proceed with caution. Freelancers vary widely in quality and reliability, and if you’re outsourcing overseas, time zones, differences in work culture, and communication hurdles can all add to the complexity. If you don’t thoroughly vet their skills and work style, you risk delays, mismatched expectations, and subpar deliverables.
- Agency: Best for larger projects or when you need a mix of strategy, design, and ongoing support. Agencies often have teams with a range of expertise to handle every part of the process.
- In-house: If you have consistent, long-term HubSpot development needs, hiring someone in-house might be worth it. This gives you direct access to a developer who can adapt as your business grows.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your timeline, budget, and how hands-on you want to be in managing the work.
|
Freelancer |
Agency |
In-House |
Cost |
Usually $45–$250/hour, depending on skill and location. Higher risk factor when outsourcing. |
Varies widely. Higher upfront cost but includes strategy and support |
Fixed salary with additional overhead costs |
Best for |
Short-term tasks or smaller projects |
Complex projects needing strategy and ongoing support |
Long-term, consistent development needs |
Expertise |
Varies by individual; requires careful vetting |
Teams with broad expertise and resources |
Depends on the hire’s skills and experience |
Flexibility |
Highly flexible, project-based |
Less flexible, often tied to contracts |
Flexible within company priorities |
Management effort |
Requires hands-on management and oversight |
Minimal; agency manages the process |
Directly managed by your team |
Scalability |
Limited; may need multiple freelancers |
Scalable with a team approach |
Limited by individual capabilities |
Turnaround time |
Quick for small tasks, slower for complex ones |
Faster due to team availability |
Dependent on one person’s workload |
Best practices for starting the HubSpot developer hiring process
To find the right HubSpot developer, you’ll need a clear plan and a thorough vetting process. Follow these steps to make sure you hire someone who delivers:
- Define your goals: Outline exactly what you need from your website, including functionality, design, and integrations.
- Check certifications and experience: Make sure they’re HubSpot-certified and have a proven track record with similar projects.
- Ask detailed questions: Use interviews to gauge their technical expertise and approach to problem-solving.
- Review references and work samples: Look for high-quality, user-friendly websites and testimonials that speak to their reliability.
- Start small: Consider giving them a trial project or starting with a smaller piece of your website to ensure they’re a good fit before committing to a larger scope.
By following these best practices, you’ll be well-positioned to find a developer who can bring your vision to life while fully leveraging HubSpot’s capabilities.
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