The hidden challenges of implementing HubSpot with a WordPress CMS

 

Considering moving to HubSpot from WordPress? You’re not alone. Many businesses using WordPress as their primary CMS are now exploring how to integrate or migrate to HubSpot’s CRM and marketing automation tools.

While HubSpot is an incredibly powerful platform, making the transition from WordPress - or even using the two together - presents some tricky challenges. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key considerations, common pitfalls, and how to make the move as seamless as possible.

Why move to HubSpot from WordPress?

WordPress is a fantastic CMS with endless customisation options, but when it comes to managing customer relationships, marketing automation, and sales processes, it can fall short without the right integrations. Many businesses start with WordPress but eventually realise they need a more connected CRM and marketing system - this is where HubSpot comes in.

Here are the key reasons marketing managers and directors are making the shift:

  • All-in-One marketing & CRM platform – No need to rely on dozens of plugins to manage forms, email marketing, and automation.

  • Seamless sales & marketing alignment – HubSpot connects your website, marketing efforts, and sales pipeline into one system.

  • Deeper customer insights – HubSpot provides detailed analytics and contact tracking without requiring extra tools.

  • No more plugin chaos – WordPress often relies on multiple plugins for CRM functionality, leading to security risks and maintenance headaches.

But while the benefits are clear, the implementation process isn’t always straightforward—especially if you still want to keep WordPress as your CMS.

 

The BIG considerations when implementing HubSpot with WordPress

Before you dive in, here are some major challenges and key decisions to make when integrating or moving to HubSpot from WordPress.

1. Choosing between full migration vs. integration

The first big decision is whether to:

  • Move your entire website to HubSpot’s CMS Hub – This means fully adopting HubSpot for web hosting and design.

  • Keep WordPress as your CMS and integrate HubSpot – This keeps your existing WordPress site but adds HubSpot’s CRM, forms, and automation.

  • Moving to HubSpot CMS Hub works well if you want a seamless system without relying on WordPress plugins. However, it means a full website rebuild within HubSpot’s ecosystem.

  • Keeping WordPress and integrating HubSpot is often the more practical choice, but it requires careful setup to ensure data flows properly.

2. Forms and lead capture issues

One of the trickiest elements when using HubSpot with WordPress is managing forms and lead tracking.

  • If you’re still using WordPress forms (like Gravity Forms or WPForms), they won’t automatically sync with HubSpot.

  • The best approach is to replace all your forms with HubSpot Forms, ensuring seamless CRM tracking and automation.

If switching forms isn’t possible, you’ll need to set up third-party integrations (like Zapier) to sync data, which adds extra complexity.

3. Tracking & analytics gaps

If you’re used to Google Analytics in WordPress, you’ll want to ensure HubSpot’s tracking works properly across your site.

  • HubSpot’s tracking code must be installed correctly (either via the HubSpot plugin or manually in WordPress).

  • If you’re using Google Tag Manager, you’ll need to configure it to avoid tracking conflicts.

  • HubSpot’s reporting is powerful, but some data may differ from WordPress/Google Analytics, so expect a learning curve.

4. SEO & Content migration risks

If you’re moving from WordPress to HubSpot CMS, be mindful of SEO implications:

  • URL Structure Changes – HubSpot uses a different URL format than WordPress, which can impact rankings if redirects aren’t handled properly.

  • 301 Redirects Are Essential – Any old WordPress URLs should be properly redirected to avoid broken links and lost traffic.

  • HubSpot SEO Tools – HubSpot’s built-in SEO features are great but might work differently from WordPress plugins like Yoast or RankMath.

If you’re staying on WordPress but just adding HubSpot tools, your SEO setup won’t change significantly.

5. Email & marketing automation adjustments

If you’re using Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or another email tool, you’ll need to decide whether to fully switch to HubSpot’s email marketing features.

  • HubSpot’s email tools integrate directly with the CRM, making segmentation and automation far more powerful.

  • However, HubSpot’s email features might have different template designs and workflow setups, requiring some adaptation.

 

Making the move: How to ensure a smooth transition

If you’re serious about implementing HubSpot with WordPress, here are some steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Map out your data & integrations

• Identify where contacts, forms, and sales data are stored.

• Decide whether to replace WordPress plugins with HubSpot-native tools.

• Plan how customer interactions will be tracked across both platforms.

2. Get expert help

• We can help configure your CRM, marketing automation, and lead tracking properly 🙌

• Custom integrations may be needed if you have complex workflows.

3. Test everything before going live

• Run test submissions through forms and lead capture points.

• Check reporting and tracking to ensure accurate data.

• Verify that existing email sequences or automations still function correctly.

4. Monitor & optimise post-launch

• Watch for traffic or conversion drop-offs.

• Adjust HubSpot settings based on real user behaviour.

• Continue refining automation workflows and lead nurturing sequences.

 

Final Thoughts: Is Moving to HubSpot Worth It?

If you’re already using WordPress and wondering whether moving to HubSpot or integrating it is the right move, the answer depends on your goals:

• If you just need a CRM and marketing automation, integrating HubSpot with WordPress is a great solution.

• If you want a fully unified sales, marketing, and website platform, shifting to HubSpot CMS could be worth considering.

Either way, the transition can be tricky without the right expertise. Whether you’re planning a HubSpot CRM setup, WordPress-HubSpot integration, or a full migration, having the right HubSpot experts on board can make all the difference.

Need help implementing HubSpot for your business?

We’ve helped businesses like yours seamlessly move to HubSpot from WordPress—let’s chat about your setup and how to make it work for you.

👇Book a call today to discuss your HubSpot implementation and get expert guidance.

 
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