Why Generic Training is Sabotaging Your HubSpot Success—And How to Fix It

Implementing HubSpot is one thing; getting your team to actually use it effectively is another. Many businesses fall into the trap of assuming that a one-size-fits-all training session is enough to get everyone up to speed. But here's the truth: generic training is the enemy of successful HubSpot adoption.

At Real Inbound, we’ve seen how tailored, role-specific training plans can be the difference between a CRM that just sits there and one that drives real results. In this article, we’ll dive into why custom training is essential, how to develop a training plan that fits your team, and the impact it can have on your HubSpot adoption success.

Why Custom Training Is Essential for HubSpot Adoption

Let’s be honest—HubSpot is a robust platform with a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming. While it’s tempting to think that a single training session can cover everything your team needs to know, this approach often leads to information overload. Different roles within your organisation require different levels of knowledge and skills when it comes to using HubSpot effectively. Here’s why custom training is so critical:

1. Relevance to Specific Roles: Each team member interacts with HubSpot differently. Your sales reps, marketers, and customer service teams use different tools and features within the platform. A generic training session might touch on some of what they need, but it won’t go deep enough into the specifics that make their day-to-day tasks easier and more efficient. Custom training ensures that each role gets the precise information and skills they need to excel.
2. Improved Engagement and Retention: When training is tailored to the specific needs of your team, it’s more engaging and easier to retain. People are more likely to pay attention and absorb the material when they see its direct relevance to their job. This leads to better adoption rates and more effective use of HubSpot across your organisation.
3. Faster Learning Curves: Tailored training helps shorten the learning curve. Instead of sifting through hours of irrelevant information, your team can focus on the tools and processes that matter most to them. This means they can start using HubSpot effectively much sooner, which accelerates your overall adoption process.
4. Higher Confidence Levels: Confidence is key to successful adoption. When team members feel fully equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, they’re more likely to embrace HubSpot and integrate it into their daily routines. Custom training builds this confidence by providing in-depth, role-specific instruction.
5. Reduced Resistance to Change: Resistance to change is a common barrier in any software adoption process. Custom training helps to minimise this resistance by addressing specific pain points and demonstrating how HubSpot can make each person’s job easier, not harder. When employees see the personal benefits, they’re more likely to buy into the change.

How to Develop a Custom HubSpot Training Plan

Creating a custom training plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a thoughtful approach. Here’s how to develop a plan that will set your team up for success:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Start by understanding the specific needs of your team. This involves talking to team leaders, surveying employees, and assessing current workflows to identify which HubSpot features are most relevant to each role. For example, your marketing team might need advanced training on HubSpot’s automation and campaign tools, while your sales team might focus on CRM management and pipeline tracking.
2. Segment Your Training by Role: Once you’ve identified the needs, segment your training program by role. This could mean creating separate training tracks for sales, marketing, customer service, and management. Each track should focus on the features and tools that are most relevant to that group. For instance, marketing might need in-depth training on workflows and email campaigns, while sales might focus on lead scoring and deal management.
3. Develop Role-Specific Training Materials: Tailored training requires tailored materials. Develop role-specific guides, tutorials, and resources that team members can refer back to as they start using HubSpot. This might include video tutorials, step-by-step guides, or interactive workshops that focus on real-world applications of HubSpot in their daily tasks.
4. Incorporate Hands-On Learning: The best way to learn is by doing. Incorporate hands-on learning opportunities into your training plan. This could be through live demos, role-playing scenarios, or guided exercises where team members can practice using HubSpot in a controlled environment. This approach helps reinforce learning and builds confidence.
5. Provide Ongoing Support and Resources: Training shouldn’t end after the initial sessions. Provide ongoing support and resources to help your team continue learning as they use HubSpot. This could include access to HubSpot Academy, regular Q&A sessions, or a dedicated internal help desk. Ongoing support ensures that your team can troubleshoot issues and continue to improve their skills over time.
6. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed: Training is an iterative process. Monitor your team’s progress as they begin using HubSpot and gather feedback on the training they received. Use this information to adjust and refine your training plan as needed. If certain areas are proving difficult, consider offering additional sessions or one-on-one coaching to address specific challenges.

The Impact of Custom Training on HubSpot Adoption

Custom training isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer when it comes to HubSpot adoption. Here’s the impact you can expect from a well-executed custom training plan:

1. Higher Adoption Rates: When training is relevant and targeted, adoption rates soar. Your team is more likely to embrace HubSpot and integrate it into their daily workflows when they feel confident and equipped to use it effectively.
2. Increased Efficiency: Custom training helps your team work smarter, not harder. By focusing on the tools and features that are most relevant to their roles, employees can complete tasks more efficiently, leading to increased productivity across the board.
3. Better Data Quality: One of the biggest challenges with any CRM is ensuring data accuracy. Custom training ensures that your team knows how to input, manage, and analyse data correctly within HubSpot. This leads to better data quality, which in turn improves decision-making and overall business performance.
4. Enhanced Collaboration: With each team member understanding how to use HubSpot in the context of their role, collaboration across departments improves. Sales, marketing, and customer service can work together more seamlessly, sharing data and insights to drive better results.
5. Faster ROI: The sooner your team can use HubSpot effectively, the faster you’ll see a return on your investment. Custom training accelerates the learning curve, getting your team up to speed quickly and allowing you to start reaping the benefits of your CRM investment sooner.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Custom Training

While custom training is incredibly effective, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Overcomplicating the Training Plan: It’s easy to get carried away with trying to cover everything in one go. Avoid overwhelming your team by keeping training sessions focused and concise. Prioritise the most important features and build on knowledge gradually.
2. Neglecting Ongoing Training: Initial training is important, but it’s not enough. Don’t neglect the need for ongoing training and support. Regular refreshers, updates on new features, and continuous learning opportunities are key to maintaining high adoption rates.
3. Ignoring Individual Learning Styles: People learn in different ways. Some might prefer hands-on practice, while others learn better through video tutorials or written guides. Incorporate a mix of learning styles into your training plan to cater to different preferences.
4. Failing to Get Leadership Involved: Leadership buy-in is crucial for successful adoption. Ensure that your training plan includes sessions for leadership so they understand how HubSpot supports strategic goals and can lead by example.

Conclusion: Custom Training Is the Key to HubSpot Success

In summary, custom training is the secret sauce that makes HubSpot work for your team. It’s not enough to just implement the software; you need to equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to use it effectively. By developing a tailored training plan that addresses the specific needs of each role, you can ensure that your HubSpot adoption is not just successful, but transformative.

At Real Inbound, we specialise in creating custom training plans that drive HubSpot adoption and deliver real results. Our HubSpot Adoption Gap Framework includes comprehensive training strategies tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. Whether you’re just starting out with HubSpot or looking to optimise your existing setup, we’re here to help.

Ready to create a custom training plan that works? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your team master HubSpot and achieve your business goals.