Is your marketing agency really helping your business grow, or are they quietly holding you hostage?
It sounds dramatic, but here’s how it happens: A company hires an agency to set up HubSpot. The agency takes full control of logins, seats, and setup. At first, this feels convenient. But months later, the business realizes it can’t do anything in HubSpot without calling the agency first.
Need to run a traffic report? Call the agency.
Want to build a landing page? Call the agency.
Ready to schedule an email? Call the agency.
In every case, the agency holds the cards. Worse, the agency keeps all the HubSpot knowledge for themselves. If they never teach the business how to use the platform, the business can’t operate without them. The business is stuck paying month after month, with no way out.
In this episode of Endless Customers, Connor Delaney breaks down exactly how agencies create these dependencies and what you can do to protect your business.
According to Connor, there are a handful of common ways agencies limit client independence:
Controlling logins and credentials so you can’t access your own HubSpot portal.
Hosting data on their own servers or using custom-built CMS tools you don’t control.
Withholding HubSpot training so your team never learns how to manage campaigns on their own.
Burying restrictions in contracts that keep you tied to them long-term.
These tactics are designed to keep clients dependent, not empowered.
While we can’t force agencies to follow more scrupulous practices, we can equip you with the knowledge so you’re more informed the next time you ask an agency for help.
Too often, businesses sign agency contracts without a close review, assuming the agency is acting in their best interest. Connor explains that it’s critical to:
Review ownership of data, content, and credentials.
Confirm who controls HubSpot admin seats.
Ask about exit clauses if you want to end the engagement.
Insist on training so your team builds HubSpot competency.
Agencies that prioritize partnership will be transparent about these details. Agencies that don’t… well, that’s a red flag.
If you’re worried your agency is holding you hostage, you’re not alone. Many businesses have been in your shoes. The key is taking back control of your data, your logins, and your HubSpot knowledge so your team can run campaigns independently.
That’s exactly what we help businesses do at IMPACT. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I take control of HubSpot and stop relying on my agency?” — our team can help. Let’s talk about how to make HubSpot truly yours.
Connor Delaney is a sales consultant at IMPACT who helps businesses understand how they can break free from unproductive agency agreements.
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Learn more about how we help break the cycle of agency dependency
What’s the risk of letting an agency control my HubSpot logins?
Without full admin access, you lose visibility and control over your marketing platform. If the relationship ends, you could also lose valuable data, content, and leads.
How do I avoid getting stuck with the wrong agency?
Before signing, review the contract carefully, confirm data ownership, and insist on shared credentials. Work with agencies that empower your team rather than hoard knowledge.
Can I transition away from an agency that’s holding me hostage?
Yes. It may take time to untangle access and rebuild internal processes, but you can always reclaim full control of your HubSpot portal.