Fundamentally, HubSpot is a marketing company that offers software and services to help businesses grow. One of their software offerings is the HubSpot Content Management System (formerly branded the HubSpot Content Optimization System, HOS).
The HubSpot CMS and the WordPress platform are tools that enable your website to be easily found in online searches and viewed on mobile devices. Each tool can help structure and design your website for optimal ease of use, utilizing professional templates that reflect your brand’s value.
However, the HubSpot CMS tool does have a few drawbacks.
What are the limitations of HubSpot CMS?
- No plugins
HubSpot CMS is an all-in-one platform which can be limiting for large businesses who need flexibility and more options.
- HubSpot CMS does not allow more than one owner per contact.
- Coding limitations
The fact that there is no server-side code is a downside that may cause frustration among large businesses.
- Limited automated email marketing
Using HubSpot to design email marketing campaigns is fine because their email templates are easy to use. But managing the lists and email workflows for follow-up is time consuming and the email functionality can be confusing.
- HubSpot CMS lacks extensibility
Extensibility refers to the extent to which you can customize a CMS. As a business grows, being able to add unique features to their website is necessary. Extensibility makes this process easier.
That being said, HubSpot currently does not have modules available on the Marketplace, only themes and templates. Because HubSpot’s software is proprietary, it must be used in a specific way. HubSpot guards those properties since it owns their software and your website.
This means that you will need to hire a HubSpot developer to add features to your HubSpot site or blog that isn’t included by default.
To develop modules for HubSpot CMS, it uses a proprietary coding language called HubL. Therefore, HubSpot CMS has limited customization for modules.
- Less control of SEO
HubSpot does not allow complete control of structured metadata on a per-post or per-page basis.
- Limited themes and styles
You will have to call a HubSpot developer for any theme change you may need and the styles available are limited.
- Cost
For small or medium sized companies, the cost of HubSpot’s full package of CMS features may exceed what they can afford.
How to Overcome HubSpot’s limitations?
The purpose of using a CMS is to eliminate the need to write any code to modify a page, publish a blog post, add a product, or change simple settings. Both HubSpot CMS and WordPress do these things and more.
It is possible to use both WordPress and HubSpot. You could use WordPress for CMS and HubSpot for CRM, which stands for customer relationship management. HubSpot is best for businesses who want an all-in-one solution.
However, if you want more flexibility, you may want to use both HubSpot and WordPress because this approach offers more choices and control.
Here are a few things to consider as workarounds that will help overcome some of HubSpot’s limitations.
HubDB
HubDB is a website add-on tool included in the HubSpot CMS. It allows you to create database tables that store data to be retrieved and displayed on a website. HubDB allows developers to create database-driven content that can be embedded within websites and landing pages.
Website functionality built with HubDB can then be handed over to marketers to easily maintain rather than having to hire an IT professional to maintain it.
The main value of HubDB is simplification. For instance, HubDB can store employee information including their name, title, department, phone number, email address, etc. and then automatically display this information on the website.
A HubDB table functions like a spreadsheet, with data being stored in rows and columns, and website pages or custom modules can use this information as needed via the HubL language.
WordPress
You can use a WordPress microsite to accomplish things that HubSpot can’t.
- WordPress is an open-source software that focuses on offering a flexible CMS first and foremost. Since it is open-source, finding a developer to assist you with a specialized feature is much easier than finding a HubSpot developer.
- WP has plugins. With popular and robust WordPress plugins, SEO is better because you have more control over it. HubSpot does not allow complete control of structured metadata on a per-post or per-page basis, but WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO do.
- Whereas HubSpot is limited to one code language (HubL) to create modules, WordPress has an established, large and growing plugin marketplace that is more extended in the codebase. If your page builder doesn’t include a module with the feature you need, nearly any web-developer can add custom code without using the proprietary language of HubL.
- WordPress also has a larger number of themes which are highly customizable without knowing any code. Since developers are more accessible to modify themes, WordPress theming is virtually limitless.
Final Considerations
Having as much in HubSpot as possible helps close the reporting and data loop. HubSpot delivers closed-loop reporting tools that allow you to track the performance of your website content.
HubSpot is best for tracking data to reduce bounce and to help you convert visitors to customers by providing:
- CTAs to follow up with interested prospects.
- Web analytics to track your website’s traffic.
- HubSpot’s analytics software is built into the HubSpot CMS. HubSpot gives you a one-stop all-in-one solution to your website and analytics needs.
- Now, Hubspot’s new CMS is combined with a CRM which increases personalization allowing you to create a website that truly builds relationships.
Meticulosity has extensive experience in both WordPress and HubSpot CMS development. Contact us when you need help launching or re-launching your website.