HubSpot uses properties like hs_analytics_first_url to track original source data and other analytics properties. However, when creating a contact record via the API, it’s currently not possible to set or update the hs_analytics_first_url property since it is read-only.
This limitation creates challenges in accurately attributing the source of certain contacts, particularly when they are generated through external systems or processes. For example:
- If traffic originates from Google Ads but the contact is created via the API, HubSpot cannot associate the contact with the Google Ads campaign.
- This gap in data attribution undermines the accuracy of ROI measurements in HubSpot Ads and related reporting tools.
Allowing users to set or modify specific analytics properties (such as hs_analytics_first_url) programmatically would significantly enhance ROI tracking and campaign attribution. This feature would be especially useful for organizations leveraging HubSpot alongside custom tools or APIs to manage contacts.
If you have any other ideas on how to “fix” the challenges with API-created contacts to ensure all measurements work seamlessly, I would be happy to hear them. I’m currently using some workarounds, but they’re not 100% satisfying or reliable.