5 Best Sales Forecasting Tools for HubSpot

Is your sales forecast just a wish list? If you’re using HubSpot’s native forecasting features you might be falling into a trap: relying too much on your sales reps’ opinions. While your team’s input is valuable, their natural optimism can lead to inflated forecasts, missed targets, and a whole host of bad business decisions.

But here’s the good news: a new generation of forecasting tools is changing the game. These tools integrate with HubSpot to give you predictions based on hard data and advanced analytics not just hopes and hunches. A good forecast tool can help you manage and predict sales, analyze performance metrics, and improve your sales strategy.

In this article, we’ll look at the 5 best forecasting tools that can turn your HubSpot data into accurate forecasts. Whether you’re a sales leader tired of explaining missed targets or a revenue operations professional looking to build more predictable growth, this is your guide to forecasting with data.

Table of contents:

1. The Problems with Subjective Forecasting in HubSpot

2. Data-Driven Sales Forecasting

3. Top 5 Sales Forecasting Tools for HubSpot
   1. Forecastio
   2. InsightSquared
   3. Clari
   4. Aviso
   5. People.ai
   Comparison Table

4. How to Choose a Forecasting Tool for Your Business

5. Getting Started with Your New Forecasting Tool

6. Summary

The Problems with Subjective Forecasting in HubSpot

While HubSpot’s CRM is powerful, the native forecasting tools rely too much on manual input from sales reps and don’t take into account the deal stage properly. This can lead to:

1. Optimism bias: Sales reps are naturally optimistic and overestimate the probability of deals closing.

2. Inconsistent methodologies: Different reps use different criteria to assess deal health so forecasts are inconsistent.

3. Limited historical context: Manual forecasts don’t fully account for historical performance and trends.

4. Time-consuming: Gathering and consolidating forecasts from each rep is a tedious and time-consuming process.
   
   

Data-Driven Sales Forecasting

Data-driven forecasting tools solve these problems by using the wealth of data in your HubSpot CRM. Here’s why this is a game-changer:

1. Objective predictions: By using actual historical performance, these tools eliminate subjective bias.

2. Consistent methodology: Advanced algorithms apply the same criteria to all deals and reps.

3. Pattern recognition: Machine learning can find patterns and trends that humans miss.

4. Time savings: Automated forecasting means your team can focus on selling not number-crunching.

5. Flexibility: Data-driven models can adapt to changing market conditions or business dynamics.

Categorizing deals by likelihood of closing during the forecast period helps sales teams manage expectations and plan.

Now let’s get to the top 5 tools that can bring these benefits to your HubSpot sales process.

Top 5 Sales Forecasting Tools for HubSpot

1. Forecastio

Forecastio isn’t just another forecasting tool – it’s the best for HubSpot users. Using your existing HubSpot data, Forecastio gives you unparalleled accuracy and insight without the bias and inconsistency of traditional forecasting methods.

Features:

• Seamless HubSpot integration: Forecastio doesn’t just connect to HubSpot; it’s built to get the most out of your HubSpot data. The deep integration means you get forecasting without changing your team’s workflow.

• Data-driven predictions: No more gut feelings, hello data. Forecastio’s predictions are based entirely on your historical performance so no optimism bias.

• Real-time updates: As new data enters HubSpot, Forecastio’s forecasts update automatically. You’re always working with the latest projections so you can make agile decisions.

• Actionable dashboards: Unlike tools that require extensive setup and customization, Forecastio comes with pre-built dashboards. These pre-built visualizations are based on best practices in forecasting so you get immediate insight without the need for time-consuming configuration. From day one you’ll have clear, actionable views of your forecast data.

• Scenario modeling: While Forecastio’s predictions are data-driven, it also allows you to plan “what-if” scenarios. This means you can plan for different possible futures without compromising the objectivity of your base forecast.

Why Forecastio is the best for HubSpot users:

1. Built for HubSpot: Unlike generic forecasting tools, Forecastio is designed for HubSpot so it’s seamless and gets the most out of your existing data.

2. Eliminates subjectivity: By using only historical data, Forecastio removes the biggest weakness of traditional forecasting – human bias.

3. Saves time and resources: Automated data-driven forecasting and pre-built dashboards mean your team spends less time on setup, configuration, and manual predictions and more time closing deals.

4. Gets better over time: The more you use Forecastio the more data it has to work with so its predictions get better and better over time.

5. Drives better decision-making: With objective forecasts in clear pre-built dashboards, you can make confident decisions on resource allocation, hiring, and strategic planning from day one.

Ready to get started with sales forecasting? Try Forecastio today and get data-driven predictions with zero setup.

2. InsightSquared

InsightSquared is a revenue intelligence platform with a range of sales analytics features including forecasting.

Features:

• Multi-model forecasting using AI and traditional methods

• Sales activity analytics and reporting

• Customizable dashboards and report builders

• Pipeline management and opportunity tracking

Pros:

• Analytics beyond just forecasting

• Customization of reports and dashboards

• Integrates with multiple CRM not just HubSpot

Compared to Forecastio:

• Reviews suggest a steep learning curve due to the complexity of the platform

• Too many features for teams just focused on forecasting

• Pricing is higher with some users reporting unexpected costs for additional features

• Not as specialized in pure data-driven forecasting, still uses subjective inputs

While InsightSquared is a full sales analytics platform, its complexity and higher price point may be overkill for teams just looking for accurate and easy-to-use forecasting. Forecastio’s focused approach and lower cost make it a more accessible and cost-effective option for many HubSpot users.

3. Clari

Clari is an AI-powered revenue operations platform that includes forecasting as part of its features.

Features:

• AI-driven forecasting and pipeline management

• Activity capture and analysis for engagement insights

• Collaborative forecasting workflows

• Integrates with multiple CRM and communication platforms

Pros:

• Full revenue operations features

• Strong AI for predictive analytics

• Can include multiple data sources in forecasts

Compared to Forecastio:

• Users say it’s complex to set up and optimize

• Broad focus on revenue operations dilutes the forecasting features

• Higher price point, aimed at larger businesses

• Not as specialized for HubSpot users, may require more customization

While Clari has strong AI capabilities, its breadth and complexity may not be what teams are looking for if they want a simple HubSpot-focused forecasting solution. Forecastio’s focused approach and ease of use make it a better fit for many HubSpot users, especially those looking for quick implementation and clear, actionable forecasts.

4. Aviso

Aviso is an AI-guided selling platform with forecasting as one of its features.

Features:

• AI-driven deal insights and coaching

• Opportunity-level forecasting

• What-if scenario planning

• Integrates with major CRMs

Pros:

• Strong AI for deal guidance

• Opportunity-level insights

• Can model different scenarios

Compared to Forecastio:

• Reviews say AI recommendations can be hard to interpret or action

• Deal-level insights may overshadow macro-level forecasting accuracy

• Higher price point, often annual contracts

• Not as specialized for HubSpot users, missing out on HubSpot-specific data

Aviso has some AI-guided selling features, but its breadth and complexity in interpreting AI insights may not be what teams are looking for if they want clear, accurate forecasts. Forecastio’s simple, data-driven approach and HubSpot specialization is a more direct route to better forecasting.

5. People.ai

People.ai is a revenue intelligence platform that uses AI to capture customer engagement data and provide insights including sales forecasts.

Features:

• Automated data capture from multiple communication channels

• Activity-based insights and coaching

• Forecasting based on engagement data

• Cross-functional alignment features

Pros:

• Full data capture capabilities

• Uses engagement data for insights

• Can improve sales rep productivity with automated data entry

Compared to Forecastio:

• Broad focus on revenue intelligence dilutes the forecasting features

• Users report data accuracy issues and need for manual corrections

• Higher price point, aimed at larger businesses

• Not as specialized in pure forecasting, missing out on sales stage progression nuances

While People.ai has some interesting data capture and engagement analysis capabilities, its breadth may not provide the specialized forecasting accuracy that many HubSpot users need. Forecastio’s focused data-driven forecasting and deep HubSpot integration is a more direct and reliable path to better forecasting.

Comparison Table

To help you compare these tools quickly here is a feature comparison table:

Why you should try Forecastio

After reviewing these alternatives, it’s clear why Forecastio stands out:

1. Focused expertise: Unlike broader platforms, Forecastio is focused on data-driven forecasting, no unnecessary complexity.

2. HubSpot optimization: Forecastio’s deep HubSpot integration means it understands your data, no setup is required.

3. Cost: Forecastio has better forecasting at a fraction of the cost of many competitors. Accurate sales forecasting for all business sizes.

4. Free trial: Forecastio has a free trial, try before you buy, no upfront cost. Not always available with other enterprise tools.

5. Ease of Use: Pre-built dashboards and simple interfaces, no steep learning curve.

6. Pure data-driven: Unlike tools that still use subjective inputs, Forecastio’s forecasts are based on your historical data, have no bias, and getting better over time.

7. Time-to-value: A focused approach and pre-built features mean Forecastio can start providing value almost immediately after integration, not like other platforms that require setup and customization.

By choosing Forecastio you’re not just getting a forecasting tool, you’re getting a solution that has the perfect balance of accuracy, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, specifically for HubSpot users.

How to Choose a Forecasting Tool for Your Business

While Forecastio is the best choice for HubSpot users, here are the key factors to consider:

1. Forecasting methodology: Look for data-driven forecasting, not subjective inputs.

2. Historical data: The best tools use your historical sales data to inform future predictions.

3. Ease of use: Pre-built sales forecasting dashboard and simple interfaces can reduce setup time and increase adoption.

4. Scalability: The tool should grow with your business and get better over time.

5. Cost vs value: Consider ROI, not just the price. Better forecast accuracy means better resource allocation and more revenue.

Getting Started with Your New Forecasting Tool

Now you’ve chosen your forecasting tool (hopefully Forecastio) here are the best practices to follow:

1. Data quality: Clean your HubSpot data before implementation, remove duplicates, and standardize fields.

2. Clear processes: Establish guidelines for forecast review and decision-making based on the insights.

3. Training: Even with simple tools like Forecastio, make sure all users know how to read and act on the forecasts.

4. Monitor and adjust: Review forecast accuracy regularly and adjust your processes as needed.

5. Team alignment: Sales, marketing, and finance teams need to be aligned on how the forecasts will drive strategy.

Summary: Forecast with Data Using Forecastio

In today’s B2B world, accurate sales forecasting is more important than ever. For HubSpot users, Forecastio is the clear winner in sales forecasting tools. By using your HubSpot historical data, eliminating subjective bias, and providing real-time data-driven insights, Forecastio changes the way you predict and manage your sales pipeline.

With Forecastio you’re not just getting a forecasting tool – you’re getting an edge. Its unique approach gives you a level of accuracy and insight that other tools can’t match, all at a lower cost and easier to use.

Don't let subjective forecasts hold your business back. Experience the power of truly data-driven sales forecasting with Forecastio, book a demo now!