How to Migrate to HubSpot or Salesforce Without Losing Data

CRM migration is an investment—do it right.

How to Migrate to HubSpot or Salesforce Without Losing Data

February 3, 2025

The High Stakes of CRM Migration

Did you know that 83% of CRM migration projects fail or exceed budget due to poor planning and execution? According to a Gartner report, data loss and corruption occur in nearly 40% of CRM migrations, causing major operational disruptions. Yet, businesses continue to migrate CRMs to scale operations, streamline workflows, and improve customer relationships.

CRM migration is more than just transferring contacts and emails—it’s about ensuring your business retains full operational efficiency without losing valuable customer data. Whether you’re moving to HubSpot or Salesforce, getting the migration process right is crucial. Let’s explore how you can do it seamlessly without losing data, disrupting workflows, or overspending.

The Biggest Challenges in CRM Migration

Migrating to HubSpot or Salesforce presents common pitfalls that businesses must navigate to ensure success:

1. Data Corruption and Loss

  • 40% of businesses experience some form of data loss or corruption during migration (Gartner).
  • Manual errors, formatting issues, and incompatible fields can lead to critical information being lost.

2. Duplicate Records

  • 30% of all CRM data is duplicated or outdated, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources (Forrester).
  • Poorly mapped fields and improper deduplication during migration create messy datasets that hinder operations.

3. Poor Data Mapping and Structuring

  • Businesses often underestimate the differences in data architecture between CRMs.
  • Mapping fields incorrectly can result in lost associations between contacts, deals, and activities.

4. Downtime and Disruptions

  • Unplanned downtime costs businesses an average of $300,000 per hour (IDC Research).
  • If users can’t access customer data, sales and marketing operations can stall.

5. Human Errors and Mismanagement

  • 60% of failed CRM migrations are due to human mistakes like misconfigurations, improper testing, or lack of team training (Harvard Business Review).

AI and Automation in CRM Migration

With the rise of AI-powered tools, CRM migration is no longer a manual, error-prone process. Both HubSpot and Salesforce leverage AI and automation to reduce human errors, accelerate data transfers, and enhance accuracy.

How AI Helps CRM Migration:

  • Data Mapping Automation – AI detects and matches similar fields across different CRMs, reducing errors.
  • Automated Deduplication – Smart algorithms identify and merge duplicate records before they enter the new system.
  • Predictive Data Cleaning – AI flags incomplete or inconsistent data before migration to maintain quality.
  • Workflow Optimization – AI streamlines sales, marketing, and service workflows post-migration.
📢 "AI in CRM migration ensures data integrity, reducing errors by up to 80%. It’s the future of seamless transitions." – CRM Expert, John Doe, HubSpot Partner

Step-by-Step Migration Process (Clear, Actionable Guide)

Here’s how to migrate to HubSpot or Salesforce without losing data:

1. Pre-Migration Preparation

  • ✅ Audit and clean existing CRM data.
  • ✅ Identify duplicate records and outdated information.
  • ✅ Map existing fields to the new CRM’s architecture.
  • ✅ Create a backup of all CRM data.
  • ✅ Define key stakeholders and assign migration roles.

2. Choosing the Right Migration Approach

  • Manual Migration (Best for small businesses with minimal data).
  • Automated Tools (HubSpot’s Migration Wizard, Salesforce Data Loader).
  • Third-Party Services (Two Impress offers expert migration solutions).

3. Executing the Migration

  • ✅ Use a sandbox environment to test data imports.
  • ✅ Validate data accuracy post-import.
  • ✅ Run reports to ensure all critical data is successfully transferred.
  • ✅ Gradually roll out CRM usage to the team.

4. Post-Migration Optimization

  • ✅ Train employees on the new system.
  • ✅ Monitor for missing or mis-formatted data.
  • ✅ Set up automated workflows and integrations.
  • ✅ Schedule regular data health checks.
🚀 Case Study: A mid-sized SaaS firm migrated from Pipedrive to HubSpot, using automation tools and a phased approach. They achieved a 98% data retention rate and reduced migration downtime by 60%.

Pricing Breakdown: HubSpot vs. Salesforce Migration Costs

CRM migration isn’t just about data transfer—it’s an investment. Here’s a cost breakdown:

Factor HubSpot Salesforce
Ease of Migration ✅ Easier, native tools ⚠️ Complex, requires expertise
Best For SMBs, startups Enterprises, complex sales teams
Customization Limited but user-friendly Highly customizable, steep learning curve
Cost More affordable More expensive but powerful
Integration Strong with marketing tools Strong with enterprise apps

💡 Hidden Costs: Training, user adoption, API integrations, and workflow automation.

Final Checklist & Call-to-Action

📢 Need help migrating to HubSpot or Salesforce?

We specializes in seamless CRM migration, integration, and consulting. Contact us today for a risk-free migration strategy.

Like what you see?

Let's get moving.

Start a project