HubSpot Automation for Beginners: What Works and How to Set It Up

Many beginners make a common mistake with HubSpot automation: they either don’t use it at all or create overly complicated systems that quickly fall apart.

The truth? You don’t need complex workflows to see results. In fact, a few basic automations can make a real difference.

Here are the simple HubSpot automations you can start using right away:

What it does: Automatically follows up with new leads after they sign up.

Why it works: 74% of buyers expect to receive a welcome email right away.

How to set it up:

Create a 3-email sequence in HubSpot.

• Email 1: Immediate "Thanks for downloading" (include a useful resource).

• Email 2: 2 days later (share a customer success story).

• Email 3: 5 days later (offer a quick call).

Triggers: When someone downloads a lead magnet or signs up.

Delay: Set a 14-day delay before removing them from the workflow.

Pro tip: Keep your emails simple. Include one clear call-to-action (CTA) per email.

What it does: Automatically follows up with website visitors.

Why it works: 80% of sales require five follow-ups.

Simple setup:

Trigger: When someone views the pricing page but doesn’t convert.

• Action 1: Send a case study email in 2 days.

• Action 2: If no reply, assign a task to a sales rep.

• Action 3: If there’s still no action, send a “We’re here to help” email.

What to avoid: Keep it to no more than 3 automated touches before making human contact.

What it does: Creates a sense of urgency for slow-moving leads.

Why it works: Limited-time offers encourage action.

How it works:

• Set up a "90-day inactive" list.

Create workflow:

• If a lead hasn’t engaged in 60 days, send a "Last chance" email.

• If there’s no response in 7 days, move them to the "Cold Leads" list.

Key detail: Use this workflow only for leads who showed interest in the past.

What it does: Automates customer retention.

Why it works: 68% of customers leave due to perceived indifference.

Simple automation:

Trigger: 30 days after purchase.

• Action 1: Send a satisfaction survey.

• Action 2: If the score is ≥ 8, ask for a referral.

• Action 3: If the score is ≤ 5, alert the customer success team.

Bonus: Add a personal video message for higher engagement.

What it does: Automatically sends weekly performance reports.

Why it works: Saves you 4+ hours per week on manual reporting.

How to set it up in HubSpot:

• Create a custom dashboard with key metrics.

Set up a weekly email digest to send to your team with the following:

• New leads

• Conversion rates

• Pipeline growth

Pro tip: Add commentary to highlight areas that need attention.

You don’t need complex automations to get results from HubSpot. Start with these 5 simple workflows:

• Nurture new leads

• Follow up efficiently

• Create urgency for leads to act

• Retain customers with ease

• Save time on reporting

By focusing on the basics, you can streamline your processes and grow your business.

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