HubSpot and Salesforce Integration: Best Practices and Common Challenges  

It’s a common setup: your marketing team is managing a flood of leads in HubSpot, probably taking advantage of the built-in automation tools and easy-to-use features. Elsewhere, your sales team is diligently managing customer relationships in the world’s favorite CRM: Salesforce. 

Both groups are doing fine separately, but the disconnect between them quickly starts to cause problems. Strategies are misaligned, efforts are duplicated, and opportunities are missed. That’s when a HubSpot Salesforce integration starts to feel essential – because it is. 

Sales and marketing teams don’t work well in silos. When your tools talk to each other, thanks to a HubSpot to Salesforce integration – everything flows more smoothly. Employees stop stepping on each other’s toes. Teams stop wasting time copying and pasting data. You get one connected system that helps everyone stay in sync, move faster, and make smarter decisions with less hassle. 

At Routine Automation, we make that connection happen. We don’t just connect HubSpot to Salesforce, or vice versa. We tailor the integration to fit how your business actually runs. Our team handles the heavy lifting so your people can stay focused on what they do best – driving growth. 

Why Integrating HubSpot with Salesforce Makes Sense 

If you’re still wondering “Does HubSpot integrate with Salesforce?” the simple answer is yes: and taking advantage of that connection is transformational.  

When you’ve got leads coming in through HubSpot and sales being tracked in Salesforce, things can get messy fast. Unless the two platforms are truly in sync. A disconnect between systems often leads to miscommunication, dropped opportunities, and a general sense that “something’s not adding up.” 

That’s why a Salesforce integration with HubSpot makes sense. Connecting these two tools isn’t just about bridging tech gaps, it’s about aligning people, processes, and outcomes.  

When you integrate HubSpot and Salesforce you get: 

A Unified Customer View 

Think of integration as a translator between two teams that speak different dialects of the same language. When you sync HubSpot with Salesforce, you give both marketing and sales a single, cohesive view of each lead or customer. That means no-one is left guessing if a lead has been contacted or if they’re still stuck in nurturing limbo. 

Streamlined Operations 

Redundant tasks like manual data entry or copy-pasting updates between platforms waste time and energy. A HubSpot Salesforce integration takes care of that with automated data syncing. You reduce the risk of error, free up time, and give your teams the ability to actually focus on what they do best: building relationships, closing deals, and crafting campaigns that resonate. 

End-to-End Analytics 

One of the most powerful outcomes of a HubSpot Salesforce integration is the clarity it brings. You’ll gain closed-loop reporting, tracking your customers from their very first interaction through to a signed deal, and beyond. These insights allow for better forecasting and performance tracking, all in one dashboard. 

Better Revenue and Experience Outcomes 

When marketing and sales teams are aligned with shared insights, results skyrocket better lead scoring, higher conversion rates, and more meaningful customer interactions. It’s not just operational efficiency; it’s a direct route to increased revenue and a better customer lifecycle experience. 

On top of all that you’re not left struggling with the debate of “HubSpot CRM vs Salesforce CRM” – you get to mix and match the best features of both solutions.  

How HubSpot and SFDC Work Together  

So, how does HubSpot integrate with Salesforce to drive better business results? We’ll give you a rundown of how to integrate HubSpot with Salesforce (from cleaning up your data, to bridging gaps) in a moment. First, let’s cover what happens when you establish the connection. 

If you’ve ever tried to keep two complex systems “talking” to each other, you know it’s not always as easy as flipping a switch. But with the right setup, the HubSpot SFDC integration makes Salesforce and HubSpot feel like two halves of a well-oiled machine. Here’s how the actual functionality plays out behind the scenes:  

Native Integration That Just Works 

HubSpot offers a native connector that integrates directly with Salesforce. That means you don’t need to hire an army of developers or build custom pipelines from scratch. Just install the connector, configure it, and you’re on your way. It’s a solid starting point for any business looking to explore the benefits of a Salesforce integration with HubSpot without diving into complex customizations. 

Two-Way Sync in Real Time 

Once you’ve got the HubSpot Salesforce connector setup, what happens in HubSpot doesn’t stay in HubSpot. Thanks to real-time, two-way sync, any updates to contacts, companies, deals, or activities in one system show up in the other. This ensures data consistency and allows both marketing and sales teams to work confidently off the same source of truth. 

Navigating the Data Model Differences 

This is where it gets a little more technical, but stay with us. HubSpot is contact-centric, while Salesforce works with leads, contacts, accounts, and opportunities. The difference in structure matters when you’re setting up mappings. But the good news? With the right configuration, it’s easy to make the two systems speak the same language. 

Big Wins from Smart Syncing 

When Salesforce users can see HubSpot activity (emails, form submissions, workflows) and HubSpot users can track deal progress and lifecycle stages, both sides win. This transparency enhances decision-making, timing, and trust between departments. 

Preparing for Integration: Data, Team Readiness, and Planning 

So, can HubSpot integrate with Salesforce? Yes. Should you be using that fact to your advantage? Also yes. But you need to prepare first. Although you can integrate HubSpot and Salesforce without a lot of technical headaches, using connectors, you still have a little work to do.  

For most companies, HubSpot Salesforce integration best practices start with three things: data preparation, team readiness, and proper planning. 

Start with a Data Detox 

You aren’t just connecting software, you’re linking data. That means preparing the data in advance. Think of this like cleaning out your closet before installing custom shelving. You don’t want to build a beautiful system only to fill it with junk.  

Duplicate emails, missing values and documents with weird formatting all need addressing. A HubSpot Salesforce integration only works as well as the data it’s working with. 

Manage Field Mapping 

Here’s where people often get tripped up: HubSpot and Salesforce don’t think about data the same way. HubSpot loves its contacts and companies. Salesforce has leads, contacts, accounts, opportunities, all nested in layers like CRM nesting dolls. Your teams need to sit down and decide exactly what connects to what.  

Set Up a Real Integration User 

Want to know what causes half the HubSpot integration with Salesforce issues we see? The sync gets tied to someone’s personal login. Don’t do that. Instead, create a dedicated integration user with admin-level access. It’s more secure, more stable, and it avoids surprises when Jill from marketing goes on vacation. 

Only Sync What Matters 

You don’t need to sync everything. Use inclusion lists. Maybe just sync MQLs, or only customers from the last 6 months. Clean data is great, but relevant data is even better. Decide exactly what you need to sync between HubSpot and Salesforce, and avoid going over the top.  

Get Everyone on the Same Page 

Combining HubSpot with Salesforce is about connecting people as much as it’s about connecting systems. Talk to your teams. Let them know what’s happening. Change, even good change, can feel intimidating. Bring folks into the process early and train them well. A little empathy goes a long way. 

How to Integrate HubSpot with Salesforce 

Yes, it’s possible to set up the HubSpot to salesforce integration without getting overwhelmed. But you do need a roadmap. Here’s your no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to getting it done right the first time (straight from the experts at RA).  

Install the HubSpot Salesforce Connector 

First, head to HubSpot’s App Marketplace and search for “Salesforce.” Click install. If you’re testing things first (a great idea), check the box for your Salesforce sandbox environment. 

Once you authorize the connection, you’ll be prompted to log into Salesforce—so make sure you have admin-level access on both platforms before starting. Don’t skip this. Without it, certain permissions will fail silently, and you’ll be stuck troubleshooting weird sync errors later. 

Keep an eye on pop-ups or permission windows during setup. They’re easy to miss but critical to successful integration. 

Authorize a Dedicated Integration User 

Do not connect the systems using your personal login—or anyone else’s, for that matter. Instead, create a dedicated Salesforce user just for the HubSpot Salesforce integration. This user should have full read/write permissions and won’t be tied to someone’s account changes or time off. 

Plus, all changes made by HubSpot will appear as edits made by the integration user. That means if your integration user is an existing user, it’s difficult to distinguish what the user change, and what HubSpot itself changed in Salesforce.  

You can create an integrated user by cloning the System Administrator profile in Salesforce, and giving the account the permissions needed for HubSpot.  

Choose What to Sync, and Which Way 

This is where you start making the HubSpot and Salesforce integration work for you. HubSpot gives you granular control over what syncs, like contacts, companies, deals, tasks, and which direction the data flows. 

You can choose: 

• One-way syncs (e.g., HubSpot → Salesforce only) 
• Two-way syncs for full alignment 

Be intentional. If Salesforce is your system of record for deals, don’t overwrite it with HubSpot data unless you mean to. 

Map Your Fields 

HubSpot and Salesforce use different data models, so mapping fields is where things can get tricky. You’ll need to match HubSpot properties (like lifecycle stage, contact owner, lead score) to Salesforce fields (like status, owner, custom fields). 

Double-check: 

• That fields are named clearly 
• Data types match (e.g., date vs. string) 
• Picklists are standardized to avoid mismatches 

Salesforce picklist values like “Enterprise” and HubSpot dropdowns like “enterprise” won’t sync unless they match exactly.  

Test the Sync 

Now test the sync before opening the floodgates. Create sample records in both platforms. Do the changes reflect properly? Are any fields being dropped or overwritten? 

This is your QA stage. Look for: 

• Duplicate records 
• Unmapped fields 
• Permission errors 
• Delayed sync times 

Fix any issues now, before live data starts flowing. 

Install the HubSpot Widget in Salesforce 

Finally, install HubSpot’s Salesforce widget. This handy panel lets your sales team see contact activity from HubSpot, like email opens, page views, form submissions, directly inside the Salesforce UI – saving them so much time and effort.  

It’s like giving your sales team marketing-powered night vision. No more guessing what a lead has seen or done. 

Make Your Integration Seamless

Skip the trial and error. Let Routine Automation tailor your Salesforce-HubSpot sync to fit your team and boost ROI from day one. 

Talk to an Expert

HubSpot Salesforce Integration Best Practices 

You have your HubSpot Salesforce integration guide, now you need to make sure everything is going to work smoothly. This is where a lot of people struggle when integrating HubSpot with Salesforce. Here’s how you can avoid unnecessary issues.  

Decide What’s in Charge 

This is one of the most important HubSpot Salesforce integration best practices to follow. Decide which system owns what. For example, maybe Salesforce is your source of truth for deal stages, but HubSpot leads the charge on contact lifecycle stages. Get clarity, then stick to it. 

Use Inclusion Lists 

Don’t flood Salesforce with every form fill and eBook download. Use inclusion lists to narrow down who gets synced with the Salesforce HubSpot integration API. This keeps your CRM clean and focused on people who actually matter to your sales team. 

Standardize Your Picklists 

You might think “North America” and “NA” are the same. Your HubSpot and Salesforce tools don’t think the same way. Mismatched field values cause sync errors, and the cleanup is a pain. Align picklists now to avoid chaos later. 

Test in a Sandbox First 

Got a new sync rule? A new field? Test it in a sandbox before you roll it out live. This one step can save you from a flood of panicked Slack messages on launch day. Testing before rolling out can also save you money on hiring extra support when breaks happen.  

Go Custom with APIs When You’re Ready 

Need more than the out-of-the-box setup? That’s where things get interesting. Our team at RA builds custom API-based integrations that handle complex sync logic, multi-object workflows, and even real-time lead scoring. If you’re exploring external tools or workflows beyond native functionality, check out our insights on Salesforce third-party integration. 

HubSpot Salesforce Integration Issues (and How to Solve Them)  

Even with the best intentions, and a strong plan, HubSpot Salesforce integration challenges can arise. You won’t be the first or last company to encounter a problem at some point. The best strategy is to be prepared for the potential problems in advance. 

Here’s a quick rundown of some common HubSpot Salesforce integration issues, and how to address them (without losing your cool).  

Duplicate Records 

Duplicate records are a common problem when syncing data between HubSpot and Salesforce, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. To mitigate this: 

Permission Errors 

Permission issues are a major issue for HubSpot Salesforce integrations, because they can prevent data from syncing correctly. Ensure that: 

Validation Rules Blocking Sync 

In a HubSpot and Salesforce integration, validation rules set by Salesforce can sometimes stop data from transferring properly. To address this:  

Picklist Mismatches 

We mentioned this before. Inconsistent picklist values between HubSpot and Salesforce can cause sync issues. To resolve this: 

Associated Records Not Syncing 

Sometimes, related records like deals or tasks fail to sync due to unsynced parent records. To fix this: 

Remember, if you encounter any additional issues from your HubSpot integration with Salesforce, an integration partner like Routine Automation is always around to help you leap the hurdles.  

How Routine Automation Powers Salesforce and HubSpot Integration 

Even with handy connectors, establishing a strong integration can be tough. After all, you’re not just connecting two platforms. You’re aligning your business processes for optimal performance. RA helps you make the most out of your Salesforce HubSpot connection.  

We have extensive experience working with, optimizing, and fine-tuning both platforms. Our teams know how to navigate the components of each system, stitch disconnected processes together seamlessly, and avoid common issues. More importantly, we don’t just connect HubSpot to Salesforce. We create customized strategies, tailored to you.  

Every business is unique, which is why we offer tailored integration solutions that align with your specific needs and objectives. Once we’ve bridged the gaps between your tools, we stick with you. 

Our team is an end-to-end partner for your organization. From initial consultation, to post-integration support, we’re with you every step of the way. We don’t just integrate HubSpot and Salesforce, we make sure your team is ready to make the most of your aligned tech stack.  

With over 250 successful Salesforce solutions delivered in the last five years and a customer satisfaction score of 4.9, RA stands out as a trusted partner for businesses ready to integrate HubSpot and Salesforce.  

Maximize Your CRM Investment with Connected Systems 

A HubSpot integration with Salesforce isn’t just a process of syncing data between platforms. It’s about aligning your teams. Once you get everything synced up correctly, your whole workflow changes. Your teams stop working in silos. Your reports actually reflect what’s happening. Most importantly, your strategies start to feel a lot more strategic. 

If you’re looking for a smarter way to run your business – one where marketing and sales work together seamlessly, and where insights aren’t buried in different systems, it’s time to bridge the gap. 

But making the leap isn’t always plug and play. That’s where we come in. 

RA helps companies across industries build integrations that fit – ones that are stable, scalable, and aligned to how your people actually work. From planning to implementation to long-term support, we bring experience, empathy, and precision. 

So if you’re ready to stop wrangling disconnected tools and start building a unified platform that supports every stage of your customer lifecycle, let’s talk. Our team is here to help you turn your CRM stack into a revenue-driving machine.