Sensei CRM vs HubSpot CRM: A Guide for Metal Building Companies

As the metal building industry continues to evolve, choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is crucial for business success. Two popular options are Sensei CRM and HubSpot CRM. Let’s explore how these platforms compare and how they can work together to maximize your business potential.

Sensei CRM: Industry-Specific Solution

Pros:

• Built specifically for metal building companies
• Integrated 3D building configurator
• Accurate pricing and quoting system for metal buildings
• Direct manufacturer communication features
• Built-in payment processing
• Automated building-specific workflows
• Simple user interface designed for the industry
• Usage-based pricing rather than revenue-based
• No requirement to share sensitive business documents
• Rapid deployment (3-4 days for dealers)

Cons:

• Limited general marketing automation features
• Focused solely on metal building industry
• May require supplementary tools for broader marketing needs

HubSpot CRM: Comprehensive Marketing Platform

Pros:

• Robust marketing automation capabilities
• Advanced email sequence creation
• Sophisticated lead scoring
• Comprehensive analytics and reporting
• Wide range of integration options
• Extensive content management features
• Powerful social media tools
• Versatile across industries
• Free core CRM features
• Large marketplace of extensions

Cons:

• Not industry-specific
• Steeper learning curve
• Can be expensive at higher tiers
• May include many features you don’t need
• Requires customization for metal building workflows

Using Both Platforms Together

Many metal building companies find success using both platforms in tandem. In our recent GrowthCast podcast episode, Sensei founder Ashish Roy explains how they’ve developed seamless integration between the platforms:

“If you are a HubSpot user and you want the customer record to be created as a contact in HubSpot and the details of the quote added as a deal in HubSpot and every revision going in as an updated deal in HubSpot, we got you.”

Watch this clip from our video podcast where Ashish explains how to use Sensei and HubSpot together:

Here’s how Sensei CRM and HubSpot CRM can complement each other:

Integration Benefits:

Lead Management

• Capture leads through Sensei’s 3D configurator
• Automatically sync contact information to HubSpot
• Use HubSpot’s advanced segmentation for marketing

Sales Process

• Handle building-specific quotes and orders in Sensei
• Use HubSpot for broader customer relationship nurturing
• Track customer journey across both platforms

Marketing Automation

• Leverage HubSpot’s advanced email marketing
• Use Sensei’s building-specific features for technical communications
• Create targeted campaigns based on configurator interactions

Data Synchronization

• Customer records automatically created in both systems
• Quote and order details shared between platforms
• Unified view of customer interactions

Making the Right Choice

Choose Sensei CRM If:

• Your primary focus is selling metal buildings
• You need accurate, real-time pricing and configurations
• You want streamlined manufacturer communication
• You prefer industry-specific features
• You’re looking for a simpler, focused solution

Choose HubSpot CRM If:

• Marketing automation is your priority
• You need advanced lead nurturing capabilities
• You sell products beyond metal buildings
• You want extensive reporting and analytics
• You need comprehensive content management

Choose Both If:

• You want industry-specific tools AND advanced marketing
• You have the budget for both platforms
• You need specialized features from each platform
• You’re looking to scale your marketing efforts
• You want to maximize both sales and marketing potential

Implementation Tips

Start with Core Needs

• Begin with the platform that addresses your most pressing needs
• Add the second platform when ready to expand capabilities

Plan Integration Strategy

• Determine which data needs to sync between platforms
• Establish clear workflows for using both systems
• Train staff on proper usage of each platform

Monitor and Adjust

• Track which features provide the most value
• Adjust usage based on team feedback
• Scale up or down as needed

Cost Considerations

• Sensei: Usage-based pricing, transparent structure
• HubSpot: Tiered pricing, varies by features and contacts
• Combined: Consider value vs. investment for your business size

Final Thoughts

For metal building companies, the choice between Sensei CRM and HubSpot CRM isn’t necessarily an either/or decision. While Sensei excels at industry-specific functionality and building configuration, HubSpot provides robust marketing capabilities. Many successful companies use both platforms to create a comprehensive business solution.

When making your decision, consider your business size, growth plans, marketing needs, and budget. Remember that you can start with one platform and add the other as your business grows and needs evolve.

Tags: Metal Building Marketing