[Update] Ask the Expert: Why you should consider Content Hub Starter vs other platforms

On 3 April 2024, HubSpot announced the release of Content Hub, an evolution from the existing CMS Hub. Much like the old CMS Hub, Content Hub also offers a Starter package.  This news excited all of us here at Spitfire, as we love the new smart AI-powered features of Content Hub and having a starter option gives more people the ability to use this new tool. 

Much like all the HubSpot hubs, Content Hub Starter is built not only for content writers and developers, but for marketers as well. Meaning that you’ll be able to get a fast, secure, reliable website that’s easy to maintain—and an all-on-one CRM Platform. 

• What you need to know about Content hub
• Why Content Hub Starter is right for you
• What do you get in Content Hub Starter?
• What does Content Hub Starter cost?

What you need to know about Content Hub

We know that a key pain point for many businesses is having to choose between a simple web page builder that a marketer can update or a customised website which represents your brand. As HubSpot says, “if you want to grow your business through your website, you need a CMS that both your marketers and developers love.” 

And I can tell you that both our marketing team, content team, and developers love Content Hub because; 

1. Our dev guys can create flexible themes using the tool and tech they are used to. 
2. Our marketing team can take ownership of the website and do what we do best—analyse the data we get and easily tweak the design, content, and feel of the website as needed. 
3. Our content team can write smarter, more strategically focused copy using the cutting edge AI features like the AI blog writer, brand voice, and much more. 

Why Content Hub Starter is right for you

Following the announcement of the Content Hub launch, I spoke to our head of design, Ryan Wallis, to discuss this exciting new hub. As an expert in websites, he gave us some insights into why you should choose Content Hub Starter. Take a look:

1. As a developer, why do you choose HubSpot?

Ryan: HubSpot simplifies the dev process and takes a lot of the pain out of staging and deploying websites. It allows us to build interfaces that empower the end user, by driving quality design with high powered data. 

2. What makes HubSpot Content Hub great?

Ryan: The ability to leverage CRM data in a completely customisable web interface. HubSpot support is also incredible, offering a standard of support we don’t usually get from CMS platforms. 

3. What sets Content Hub Starter apart from other CMS platforms?

Ryan: HubSpot prioritises security, ease of use, and the ability to tap into customer data, regardless of the price. With Starter, this is now accessible to businesses with smaller budgets, so we’re now able to work on the platform we prefer with all our customers, while still making the smart features accessible to the user.

4. In your experience, how easy is it to create a custom website using Content Hub?

Ryan: Exceptionally Easy. It’s incredibly user friendly and easy to learn. HubSpot offers a wide range of resources online, including the HubSpot Academy, which allows all developers to not only work on the platform but also upskill themselves. 

5. What do you love most about working on the HubSpot Content Hub?

Ryan: The efficiency and accessibility it brings to the web dev process.

6. Who would you recommend Content Hub Starter to?

Ryan: Anyone who wants to grow their business, explore smarter AI features, and still get bang for their buck. Dynamite comes in small packages.

What do you get in Content Hub Starter?

Content Hub Starter has a long list of amazing features we know you’ll love, but there are three key goals you can achieve which we want to highlight:

1. Secure your website
   1. Premium hosting
   2. Content delivery network (CDN)
   3. Standard SSL certificate
   4. Web application firewall (WAF)
      
      
2. Build your website efficiently
   
   1. 1. Website themes
      2. Drag-and-drop editor
      3. Local website development
      4. App and asset marketplace
         
         
3. Leverage the full CRM platform
   1. Access to all free HubSpot tools
   2. Live chat
   3. Forms
   4. Reporting dashboard

What to give HubSpot a try? Sign up for HubSpot Free today. 

Other features worth mentioning are that HubSpot boasts 99.9% measured uptime and because of the access to the free HubSpot Marketing, incredible AI-powered content generation tools, and you get an email marketing tool. You can find out more on the HubSpot pricing page. 

What does Content Hub Starter cost?

Content Hub Starter is one of the most affordable CMS platforms you can get with regard to value. Not only because you’re getting an amazing website, but because you also get access to other CRM tools—which you wouldn’t get from any other CMS platform. 

So, what does it cost?

$20 per month—that’s less than R400 a month

How does that compare to other CMS platforms? Well, it costs less than the Wordpress Business package. However, unlike Wordpress, you get the addition of the free Hubspot tools including the CRM. And you don’t need to worry about long-term costs like plugin maintenance. 

Ultimately, your website is the online face of your business, and to really move into the digital transformation space, you have to be able to optimise and grow. Choosing a CMS platform that not only lets you build an amazing website, but also gives you access to robust reporting and other key marketing and sales tools is a must. 

Want to find out more about Content Hub Starter and HubSpot? Get in touch and we’ll help your business grow.