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"I'm running a site on WordPress, but I also want to use HubSpot." "If using both, how should I divide responsibilities?"
Rather than choosing one or the other, leveraging the strengths of both WordPress and HubSpot together is recommended.
Strengths of WordPress and HubSpot
WordPress Strengths
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| Design flexibility | Freely customize with themes and plugins |
| Abundant plugins | Everything available: SEO, security, feature extensions |
| Large developer community | Easy to find help when needed |
| Low cost | Can operate with just hosting fees |
| Easy to migrate | Not dependent on specific vendor |
HubSpot Strengths
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| CRM integration | All visitor behavior recorded in CRM |
| Marketing features | Email, workflows, analytics all integrated |
| Lead management | Smooth flow from form to nurturing to sales handoff |
| Personalization | Show different content based on visitor |
| Reporting | Visualize content effectiveness |
Combined Use Patterns
When using WordPress and HubSpot together, there are three main patterns.
Pattern 1: WordPress + HubSpot Forms
The simplest way to use both.
Company info, service descriptions, blog posts, landing pages
Auto-register form submitters, record behavior history, auto-send follow-up emails
Good for:
- Want to try HubSpot first
- Want minimal impact on existing site
- Want to start at low cost
Pattern 2: WordPress + HubSpot Blog
Main site on WordPress, blog on HubSpot.
/about (company info), /services (service descriptions), /contact (inquiries)
/blog/article-1, /blog/article-2, etc. - all blog posts managed in HubSpot
Good for:
- Want to focus on content marketing
- Want to use HubSpot's SEO features
- Want to analyze article performance linked to CRM
Pattern 3: WordPress + HubSpot Tracking
Just add HubSpot tracking code to WordPress site.
What you can do:
- Record visitor behavior in HubSpot CRM
- Know things like "this person viewed the product page 3 times"
- Use info when handing leads to sales
Good for:
- Want to keep using WordPress forms
- Just want visitor behavior analysis
- Want to start with minimal implementation
Thinking About Role Division
Divide by "Which is Better At"
| Function | WordPress | HubSpot | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate site | ◎ | ○ | WordPress |
| Blog (SEO focus) | ○ | ◎ | HubSpot |
| Landing pages | ○ | ◎ | HubSpot |
| EC functionality | ◎ | △ | WordPress |
| Member sites | ◎ | △ | WordPress |
| Forms | ○ | ◎ | HubSpot |
| Email distribution | △ | ◎ | HubSpot |
| Customer management | - | ◎ | HubSpot |
Divide by "Who Manages"
Another approach is to divide by who manages what.
Marketing team updates → HubSpot
- Campaign landing pages
- Blog posts
- Email content
Engineers/Web team updates → WordPress
- Site structure
- Design templates
- Feature additions
Settings for Integration
To integrate WordPress and HubSpot, these settings are needed.
1. Install HubSpot Tracking Code
Install HubSpot tracking code on all WordPress pages.
Installation methods:
- Use HubSpot WordPress plugin (easiest)
- Add directly to theme's header.php
- Install via Google Tag Manager
2. Embed Forms
Embed forms created in HubSpot on any WordPress page.
Embedding methods:
- Shortcode
- Embed code (iframe)
- HubSpot WordPress plugin
3. Domain Setup (For Blog Separation)
If running HubSpot blog on a subdomain (blog.example.com), DNS setup is required.
What HubSpot WordPress Plugin Can Do
The official HubSpot WordPress plugin makes the following easy.
Basic Features
- Auto-install tracking code
- Embed HubSpot forms
- Display chatbots
- Display pop-ups
CRM Integration
- WordPress form submissions → Auto-register in HubSpot
- WooCommerce customers → Sync to HubSpot
Analytics
- Check WordPress post performance in HubSpot
- Record visitor behavior history
FAQ
Q: Which should handle SEO?
A: Both need their own SEO measures.
- WordPress: Use plugins like Yoast SEO
- HubSpot: Use built-in SEO features
When using both, be careful to avoid duplicate content.
Q: Should I use separate domains?
A: Here's the recommended thinking:
- Same domain recommended: Better for SEO domain authority
- Subdomain: When you want separate management, technical separation
- Subdirectory: Best SEO benefit but complex setup
Q: Should I eventually unify to HubSpot CMS?
A: Not necessarily.
If WordPress is working fine, you can continue using both. Consider unifying if:
- WordPress maintenance/security becomes a burden
- Want marketing team to handle everything
- Want to fully leverage personalization features
Considerations When Using Both
1. Watch for Data Fragmentation
If you use WordPress forms (like Contact Form 7), data doesn't go to HubSpot. Unify to HubSpot forms where possible.
2. Avoid Duplicate Management
Managing same content in both creates double management. Clearly define "this is WordPress" and "this is HubSpot."
3. Brand Consistency
Maintain style guides so pages made in WordPress and HubSpot have consistent design.
Summary
Using WordPress and HubSpot together enables:
- Leverage both strengths: Design flexibility + Marketing capabilities
- Use existing assets: No need to abandon WordPress site
- Gradual adoption: Start with forms, gradually expand
- Clear role division: Clear who manages what
| What You Want | Recommended Role Division |
|---|---|
| Try it first | WordPress + HubSpot Forms |
| Strengthen content marketing | WordPress + HubSpot Blog |
| Just behavior analysis | WordPress + HubSpot Tracking |
Rather than "one or the other," take "the best of both" to build an effective marketing foundation.