How to Hire the Right HubSpot Website Developer

Choosing the right HubSpot website developer can make or break your project. A good developer will create a website that not only looks great but works seamlessly with HubSpot’s tools to help you grow your business.

Unfortunately, not all developers are familiar with the HubSpot content hub (formerly called HubSpot CMS). Even more, there are a number of different ways to build sites on the platform so in addition to knowing the scope of the project, you must be careful to ensure that things “behind the scenes” are the way you need them to be in order to scale.

So how do you navigate?

Here’s what you need to know to find the right fit.

What does a HubSpot developer actually do?

Let’s start with a simple, yet critical fact: HubSpot developers do more than build websites—they specialize in creating sites that work with HubSpot’s tools for marketing, sales, and customer service. This means integrating objects, user data, custom functionality, and more throughout the web experience.

To do this effectively, a HubSpot developer needs to know:

• HubL: HubSpot’s custom coding language used to customize your site.
• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: The building blocks of any modern website.
• HubSpot’s modular development: The flexible system for creating pages and templates that are easy to update and expand.
• Integrations: Connecting your website with HubSpot’s CRM and other tools, like email marketing or analytics.

It’s more than things “looking good” – it’s about whether you’re building a scalable and functional asset vs a shaky house of cards.

Where to find HubSpot developers

You can look for a developer through freelancer sites or specialized directories, like Upwork, Toptal, or Freelancer.com, or Arc.dev (this last one focuses on software developers specifically).

Those options come with varying levels of vetting and reliability however — and remember, you’ll have to make sure you find a developer who knows HubSpot.

Many brands in this position find that the more strategic and straightforward approach is to simply work with a certified HubSpot Solutions Partner. Rather than sorting through individual freelancers, you can rely on a team that understands how to optimize HubSpot websites for lead generation, scalability, and seamless integration with your marketing and sales processes.

Full disclosure, Simple Strat is a Diamond-level HubSpot Solutions Partner. We build HubSpot websites that meet rigorous standards of technical expertise, customer success, and proven performance that brands need to grow their business effectively with HubSpot.

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.

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:

1. Define your goals: Outline exactly what you need from your website, including functionality, design, and integrations.
2. Check certifications and experience: Make sure they’re HubSpot-certified and have a proven track record with similar projects.
3. Ask detailed questions: Use interviews to gauge their technical expertise and approach to problem-solving.
4. Review references and work samples: Look for high-quality, user-friendly websites and testimonials that speak to their reliability.
5. 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.

Get a custom HubSpot website to drive growth

Your website should work as hard as you do—bringing in leads, converting visitors, and supporting your growth goals. At Simple Strat, we build websites on HubSpot or migrate them from platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace—so you can focus on the results that matter.

Whether you’re starting fresh or moving from another platform, we’ll create a site that’s easy to use, secure, and built to scale. With our expertise and HubSpot’s powerful tools, you’ll have a website that doesn’t just look good but delivers on your business objectives.

Ready to turn your website into a growth engine? Schedule a call today, and let’s make it happen.