When managing a business, flexibility is key, and HubSpot’s Custom Objects and Association Labels offer exactly that. These tools allow you to tailor your CRM to fit your unique processes, ensuring that your data and relationships are structured the way you need them to be. Here’s how you can leverage both to supercharge your CRM workflows.
What Are Custom Objects?
Custom objects in HubSpot give you the ability to create entirely new types of records beyond the standard ones (contacts, companies, deals, tickets). This feature is particularly useful when your business tracks data that doesn’t quite fit into the existing structure.
For example, if you’re managing properties, events, or subscriptions, you can create custom objects to store this information in your CRM. Each custom object functions like a standard object, meaning it has properties, associations, and can be used in workflows, reports, and more.
Use Case Example:
A real estate agency can create a custom object for “Properties” to track important details like location, price, and availability. This custom object can be linked to contacts and deals, making it easier to follow up on leads based on specific property interests.
What Are Association Labels?
Association labels are a way to better define the relationships between your records. While HubSpot already allows you to associate contacts, companies, deals, and custom objects, association labels add context to these associations, clarifying the role each object plays in the relationship.
For instance, if you’re dealing with multiple decision-makers on a deal, you can label one as the “primary decision-maker” and others as “influencers.” This clarity is invaluable for managing complex sales cycles, where understanding each player’s role can make or break a deal.
Use Case Example:
A SaaS company working with a partner might have multiple contacts at the same company. By using association labels like “Account Manager,” “Technical Contact,” and “Billing Contact,” the company can ensure smooth communication with the right stakeholders throughout the sales process.
How to Get Started with Custom Objects and Association Labels
- Set Up Custom Objects: You can create a custom object from the settings menu in your HubSpot account. Be sure to define its properties carefully to capture all the important data your team needs.
- Use Association Labels: When associating records, you’ll now see an option to add a label. HubSpot provides some default labels, but you can create your own to better suit your processes.
Why Use Them?
The value of custom objects and association labels lies in personalization and efficiency. By structuring your CRM to reflect your specific business processes, you streamline workflows, reduce data confusion, and ensure that your team can focus on the right relationships with the right context.
For more detailed guidance on setting up custom objects, check out HubSpot’s Custom Objects Documentation. You can also explore our guide on Association Labels to dive deeper into customizing your CRM relationships.
By leveraging these powerful features, you can transform your HubSpot CRM into a more customized and efficient tool, perfectly tailored to your business needs.