HubSpot Vs. WordPress: Which is the better content optimisation software?

Two names appear the most frequently when finding and implementing a content management system (CMS): HubSpot and WordPress.

The two platforms stand out as titans in their respective domains. HubSpot, with its all-in-one marketing suite, seamless integration and advanced analytics, and WordPress, the ubiquitous content management system, flexibility and customisation.

WordPress is one of the world's most popular and most commonly used content management systems. Its open-sourcing means designers and developers can make back-end website alterations behind the scenes. 

On the other hand, HubSpot, as a content optimisation system, is an all-in-one platform where you can create web pages, blogs and emails and analyse it all in one place.

The difference between the two? 

WordPress is purely for creating content, whereas HubSpot is for creating and promoting content (social scheduling, optimisation, sales and so on). 

Yet both systems have their plus points. So, in a battle of HubSpot vs. WordPress, which platform is best for content optimisation? Let’s take a look.

Before you dive in, if you want an overall comparison of which is easier to use, check out this deep dive on that topic here.

Blogging

WordPress

WordPress was originally built as a blogging platform and has built-in blogging capabilities. You can set up RSS and email subscriptions, commenting capabilities and add recent posts to your home page — or wherever you want to add them. 

If you want to add other features like a calendar or gallery, you have to add plugins. Some are free and some you have to pay for. 

The blogging tools themselves are easy to use and don’t require coding knowledge (although you can see the source code if you wish). They work just like any rich text editor.

HubSpot

With HubSpot, there’s a distraction-free blog editor, the ability to schedule blog posts and publish on social media. HubSpot also integrates an AI content assistant, allowing you to input prompts to generate quick ideas, outlines, paragraphs, meta titles and blog descriptions.  

In general, it’s a lot more intuitive than most platforms out there.

When using something like WordPress, additional software is required for mobile optimisation, SEO optimisation, CTA creation, content collaboration, content calendars, AMP support, and analytics.

But with HubSpot, it’s all built-in and ready for you to use — with no hidden costs or fees.

Which is better?

As far as blogging goes, both are pretty similar in terms of ease of actually writing posts.

For marketers, HubSpot is the way to go because you aren’t using your blog to sell your content specifically –– you aim to create industry authority on your given topic to lead your customers to your products; the goal isn’t to blog for the sake of it.

Landing pages

WordPress

For marketing professionals, landing pages (LPs) drive users deeper into content. 

In WordPress, LPs are built similarly to a blog, including templates you can customise. However, adding a form or personalising the page for repeat visitors necessitates plugins and technical configuration. For this, you’ll need a developer with PHP knowledge.

HubSpot

Similarly, in HubSpot, you can build your landing pages from scratch or use templates and drag-and-drop features to quickly insert images, forms and other content onto the page. 

HubSpot has built-in features to publish, test and optimise your landing pages without the need to download and configure extras without the need for developers.

Website

WordPress

From build-from-scratch to always updating templates and the drag-and-drop option, WordPress's web design is fully customisable and scalable. Depending on your subscription, over 50,000 plugins and add-ons can improve your site.

HubSpot

Marketing professionals who need to generate customers, convert leads, and close deals will need a fully integrated platform. 

With HubSpot web design, you can create pages using drag-and-drop templates, optimise them for SEO, and use responsive design. This means if your visitor views you on mobile or tablet, the design and their browsing experience don’t suffer.

Which is better?

Both have on-page SEO (meta descriptions, URL naming and so forth) and content organisation for easy searching. However, only HubSpot has competitor tracking, page performance tracking and inbound tracking without additional software. 

HubSpot is built with SEO in mind and adapts to the latest trends. WordPress does have SEO tools, but they are extras and not integrated. Unlike HubSpot, there’s the concern about how regularly these external third-party plugins are updated.

Plus, HubSpot is designed in a way where you don’t always need to pull developers in for the smallest of tasks. It’s intuitive enough for marketers to get hands-on with ease.

Analytics

WordPress

WordPress only allows for basic content analytics (sessions, visits, etc.) without using extra plugins or software, such as Google Analytics. 

HubSpot

HubSpot measures all analytic features simultaneously: advanced content analytics, contacts, company analytics, competitor tracking, email reports and revenue reporting. 

Plus, it integrates really well with other software if that’s what you need.

Email and marketing automation

WordPress

Most CMS platforms aren’t designed to send emails and have to be linked with an outside email-sending provider, meaning if you use this method, you can’t track results with your website analytics. 

HubSpot

With HubSpot, marketing automation is already part of the system; whether you’re nurturing leads or sending automated blog roundups, you can do it in one place. 

You can even do A/B testing, personalise content, choose which lists are mailed to and which aren’t and analyse their performance. WordPress can send some emails using outside software but without the added features of HubSpot.

Pricing

The WordPress pricing guide (2024)

WordPress

For those who simply want to blog, a non-customised domain with a small amount of storage is free on WordPress, albeit basic in terms of features. 

WordPress then offers different subscription packages based on requirements. 

HubSpot

Marketing Hub is the best option for many who want to create content using HubSpot, but HubSpot has many different Hubs that could be useful to you. 

This software is designed to help you make the most of your inbound content, convert visitors into customers and run complete inbound marketing campaigns, including those that use blog articles. 

Marketing Hub is available in three editions: Starter, Professional and Enterprise. Each plan is designed to fit a different budget and includes tools to solve specific customer problems. This means you can find a plan to suit your needs, whether you work for a small business or a booming enterprise.

HubSpot or WordPress

Both HubSpot and WordPress offer powerful tools for content management, blogging, landing pages, website design, analytics, email marketing and automation.

While WordPress is great for creating content and offers a wide range of plugins for customisation, HubSpot excels in content promotion and optimisation with its all-in-one platform.

Depending on your specific needs and budget, either platform can be a valuable asset for your content strategy. 

Want to learn more about HubSpot and how to utilise each Hub? That’s what we’re experts in. Check out our blog for all you need to know or speak to our team.