Attach Google Drive files to deals, companies, contacts, and tickets

[ChristianNewman]

Refer to my bug report in the CRM forum

It's 2024, and it's unbelievable that this isn't already a standard feature in HubSpot. While the platform does allow for cloud storage support in the general documents section, it's glaringly absent when working with individual records like deals, companies, contacts, and tickets.

In today's world, where cloud storage is the norm, restricting file attachments to local hard drives feels archaic. It's a significant inconvenience and a major roadblock for teams who rely on cloud-based workflows.

Imagine this: You're working on a crucial deal, and you need to attach a proposal or a contract from Google Drive. The current HubSpot workflow forces you to download the file to your local machine, then re-upload a separate copy to HubSpot – an unnecessary and time-consuming step.

Even then, the files added to Hubspot almost immediately become out of date, the moment the Google Drive file is edited - making Hubspot an unreliable source of information for users.

Last but not least, most Google Drive files (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) can't be downloaded (rather, they must be linked to). This ensures users and organizations retain control over file permissions and eliminate the risk of version control issues.

This missing feature isn't just a minor annoyance; it's a dealbreaker. It hinders collaboration, disrupts workflows, and limits the platform's overall usefulness.

I'm convinced it must be a bug affecting the CRM module in Hubspot.

The Solution

The solution is simple: resolve the bug, or, if I'm the first person thinking of this idea (impossible), extend the existing cloud storage integration to all areas of HubSpot where file attachments are possible. This would allow users to seamlessly attach files from Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive or other cloud providers directly to deals, companies, contacts, and tickets. This is where files are stored in 2024!

The Benefits

Implementing this feature would bring numerous benefits to HubSpot users:

• Streamlined workflows: No more downloading and re-uploading files.
• Improved collaboration: Easier access to shared documents and resources.
• Enhanced productivity: Less time wasted on manual file management.
• Increased user satisfaction: A more modern and intuitive user experience.

Call to Action

HubSpot, it's time to make this a priority. Fix this bug - and in the extremely remote possibility you missed this entirely - empower your users with the tools they need to work efficiently and effectively in the cloud. By bringing cloud storage attachments to deals, companies, contacts, and tickets, you'll be taking a significant step towards a more seamless and productive user experience. 

Frankly, I can't see how your own employees can use your product without this basic functionality... and I certainly won't pay money for a premium plan that doesn't included it.

[Jnix284]

Accessing files via cloud storage is critical and there should be a consistent experience across the platform.

[JasonCer]

I know exactly what you mean! We're a heavy Google Drive user and this was one of the first things we considered when we signed up with Hubspot years ago.

We did come up with a solid workaround that fits our workflow very well. I don't know if this workaround would work for you or not, but here it is:

What we've done is implement a practice where each client has a dedicated Google Drive folder. We created a custom property for tickets called "Drive Link." It's just a simple text field, but when you add a link to the Google Drive it becomes clickable. This has the side benefit of keeping everything current and not forcing us to upload or connect every new file. Adding new or updated files to the Drive fixes the need to have a separate upload each time something changes.

The only time this becomes problematic is if a client has multiple files with multiple projects each. In this case, we create a separate subfolder within the main client folder and link to that instead.

If you only have one file to deal with (e.g. a Google Doc which is regularly updated) you could use that field to link to that doc instead of an entire folder.

I hope this helps!

[ChristianNewman]

I thought of creating custom properties (text fields) for each document type (proposal, NDA, change log, and countless others) where we can paste links.... but we'd end up with a thousand different properties on every single company/deal, to sift through.

We also thought of the folder approach, but again, it requires us to sift through a folder of documents, wherewas on a deal, for example, all I need are a) meeting notes and b) proposal.

Aside from what you mentioned (proliferation of files and folders), we also foresee issues with file access (having to put all files in one folder, which everyone has access to), as well as the fact that it adds friction to our workflow (can't search directly for a file, or point and click on one that's already been added).

If Hubspot is deliberately trying to limit file attachments to what's available on local hard drives, this is a tragic oversight or lapse of common sense.

If indeed it's a bug (as they obviously know what they're doing in the Library/Documents section - so I can't imagine they're neglectful of attachments to companies, deals and tickets), they need to fix it, before I'll pay for a premium plan.

[RBozeman]

Definitely agree. It would be nice to be able to integrate more directly with Google Drive across Hubspot. Although there are a few areas, such as importing Google Docs for blogs. Still, would love to be able to directly connect contacts to Drive files.