Take a Seat - HubSpot's Seats-Based Pricing Model in a Nutshell
As a HubSpot user, you've probably heard that the platform has changed its pricing model. As of March 5, 2024, HubSpot has implemented a new seats-based pricing model for all subscription types. If you purchased a license from HubSpot before this date, your account may still be charged under the old pricing model. What does the new pricing mean for you? In this blog, we'll explain what's changing, the benefits of the new model, and how to prepare.
)
What is the Seats-Based Pricing Model?
First things first - let's take a closer look at the new pricing model.
The seats-based pricing model is a subscription model, where you pay based on the number of users ("seats") that have access to the platform. Previously, you could add an unlimited number of 'free' users to your portal, and the licence cost was tied to one or more Hubs. You could only access advanced sales and/or service features by purchasing a licence for 5 or more users. The new model provides more flexibility and scalability, as you only pay for what you need.
With the new pricing model, HubSpot introduces different types of seats:
Core Seats: These provide editing access and connect teams to HubSpot's Smart CRM. Users who want to edit in HubSpot must have at least one Core Seat.
Sales & Service Hub Seats: For users who need access to advanced Sales/Service Hub Professional or Enterprise features, such as SDRs, CSRs, etc.
View-Only Seats: These seats are free and provide view-only rights to users who don't need editing access, such as management.
Partner Seats: Free seats for certified HubSpot partners who have access to your account, such as iO.
The Old vs. The New HubSpot Pricing Model
HubSpot's old pricing model was based on a combination of features and a minimum number of users, depending on which Hub you used. This meant that smaller teams sometimes had to pay for more seats than they really needed. The new model changes this by:
Removing minimum seat requirements for Sales Hub and Service Hub;
Introducing Core Seats for all Hubs;
Offering free, unlimited View-Only Seats;
Integrating access to Smart CRM into all Core Seats;
Setting a maximum of five editing users for Free Tools.
These changes make the pricing model more transparent and give HubSpot members more control over their licensing costs.
)
What Does This Mean for You in Practical Terms?
The impact of this change depends on how you currently use HubSpot. Below, we explain what this means for both existing and new HubSpot users.
HubSpot will gradually migrate existing accounts to the new model. Licenses that renew annually will be migrated first. Licenses with longer terms (such as three-year terms) and many users will be migrated in phases. You'll be notified in advance when your account is due for migration. The following terms and conditions apply to the migration:
Your current price will initially remain the same, but your invoice may look different.
Your users will be automatically assigned to the new seat types:
Sales and Service Hub Professional/Enterprise paying users will receive Sales or Service seats.
Sales and Service Hub Starter paying users receive Core Seats.
Non-paying users will receive a Core Seat or View-Only Seat based on recent activity.
HubSpot Partners who have access to your account automatically receive a Partner Seat at no additional cost.
There is no system downtime or data loss during the migration.
On your first renewal after migration, you may see a migration-related price increase of approximately 5% or less.
After migrating, you can view the details of your migration in the Account & Billing section of your HubSpot account. You will also be able to see your renewal price before your subscription renews.
We recommend that a Super Admin review the updated seat types in the Users & Teams section of the HubSpot Settings and reassign seats as needed.
If you're thinking about getting started with HubSpot, now is a great time. The new pricing model makes it easier to start and grow with HubSpot:
Start with a free five-user account.
Add Core Seats only for users who need editing access.
Give others free view-only access.
Scale your subscription as your needs change.
)
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your HubSpot Licence
To get the most out of the new pricing model, it's important to approach it thoughtfully. Here are some of the best practices we recommend:
Audit your current users: Evaluate who really needs editing access and who just needs database or reporting access.
Define roles and responsibilities: Determine which teams and functions need core seats, sales hub seats, or service hub seats, and which have sufficient insight with view-only access.
Implement a governance process: Establish a process for assigning and managing seats to prevent uncontrolled growth.
Evaluate periodically: Review seat assignments periodically to ensure they still meet your needs.
By following these steps, you can keep your HubSpot licensing costs under control with the seats-based pricing model, while ensuring that everyone has the access they need.
HubSpot Seats-based Pricing: The Bottom Line
HubSpot's new seats-based pricing model offers more flexibility, transparency, and scalability for businesses of all sizes. By eliminating minimum seat requirements and introducing free view-only seats, businesses can now better control their costs while benefiting from HubSpot's powerful platform.
As a HubSpot Diamond Partner, we are ready to help if you need help navigating these changes or optimizing your HubSpot account. We can advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation and help you make a smooth transition to the new pricing model.
Do you have questions about the new pricing model or would like advice on your specific situation? Contact our HubSpot experts using the link below, or feel free to reach out to your iO contact.
Want to learn more about Hubspot?
Build an organisation that is ready for the future with our experts. Discover how iO can help you grow as a Hubspot Diamond Partner.
)
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog
)
Blog