/
Connecting HubSpot and PostgreSQL allows businesses to move data between their customer relationship management (CRM) system and their operational database. This connection supports both reading from and writing to each system, which is often referred to as "two way sync."
In 2025, companies are handling more data than ever across multiple platforms. HubSpot stores customer-facing data like contacts, deals, and companies. PostgreSQL manages structured, operational data used across internal systems and analytics pipelines.
When customer data in HubSpot needs to be analyzed, enriched, or combined with internal data stored in PostgreSQL, syncing both systems becomes valuable. A two way sync enables data to move in both directions, keeping both platforms consistent and up to date.
Two way sync creates a bidirectional flow of data between HubSpot and PostgreSQL. When information changes in either system, the update appears in the other system automatically. This process ensures that both platforms contain the same information at all times.
For example, if a sales representative updates a customer's phone number in HubSpot, that new phone number will appear in the PostgreSQL database. Similarly, if a support ticket updates a customer's status in the database, that status change will appear in HubSpot.
Two way sync differs from one way sync, where data flows in only one direction. In one way sync, changes made in the destination system aren't reflected back to the source.
The benefits of connecting these systems include:
Unified data view: Sales and operations teams work with the same customer records, reducing duplication and improving accuracy
Enhanced analytics: PostgreSQL enables complex queries and joins that aren't possible in HubSpot
Automated workflows: Updates in either system can trigger actions in business processes
Real-time information: Teams make decisions based on current data from both systems
![Diagram showing bidirectional data flow between HubSpot and PostgreSQL]
Two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL requires a connection method that monitors both systems for changes. When a change occurs, the sync process captures it and applies the same change to the other system.
The basic flow works like this:
HubSpot CRM ←→ Integration Tool ←→ PostgreSQL Database
The integration tool serves as a bridge between the two systems. It handles authentication, data transformation, and the logic for resolving conflicts when the same record changes in both systems.
Most integration tools use one of these methods to detect changes:
Polling: Checking each system at regular intervals for new or updated records
Webhooks: Receiving instant notifications when data changes in HubSpot
Change Data Capture (CDC): Monitoring PostgreSQL's transaction logs for changes
For a two way sync to work properly, both systems need to have a way to identify the same record. This usually involves mapping a unique identifier from one system to the other, such as matching a HubSpot contact ID to a customer ID in PostgreSQL.
Setting up a two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL involves several key steps. This process creates the foundation for ongoing data exchange between the systems.
Before connecting the systems, you need to decide which data to sync. Common HubSpot objects include:
Contacts (people or leads)
Companies (businesses)
Deals (sales opportunities)
For each object, determine which fields to include in the sync. Create a mapping document that shows how each HubSpot field corresponds to a PostgreSQL column:
HubSpot Field | Data Type | PostgreSQL Column | Data Type |
|---|---|---|---|
string | email_address | varchar | |
createDate | datetime | created_at | timestamp |
dealStage | enum | deal_stage_id | integer |
This planning step helps avoid confusion and ensures that data will be stored correctly in both systems.
To connect to HubSpot, you'll need to create API credentials. This usually involves:
Creating a private app in HubSpot
Selecting the appropriate scopes (permissions)
Generating an access token
For PostgreSQL, you'll need connection details including:
Host address
Port number (usually 5432)
Database name
Username and password
Store these credentials securely using environment variables or a secrets manager rather than embedding them directly in configuration files.
With credentials in place, you can set up the actual integration. This involves:
Selecting which objects to sync
Mapping fields between systems
Setting the sync frequency
Defining conflict resolution rules
For conflict resolution, you'll need to decide which system takes priority when the same record changes in both places. Options include:
Latest update wins (based on timestamp)
One system always wins (HubSpot or PostgreSQL)
Field-level rules (different rules for different fields)
There are several ways to create a two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL. Each method has different characteristics that make it suitable for different situations.
The simplest approach is manually exporting data from one system and importing it to the other. This involves:
Exporting contacts, companies, or deals from HubSpot as CSV files
Formatting the data to match PostgreSQL's structure
Importing the CSV into PostgreSQL using the COPY command
Repeating the process in reverse to update HubSpot
This method works for occasional, one-time transfers but becomes time-consuming for regular updates. It also increases the risk of human error during the export-import process.
Developers can write custom code that connects directly to both systems' APIs. This approach offers complete control over the sync process but requires significant development and maintenance effort.
A custom integration typically includes:
Code to authenticate with both systems
Logic to detect changes in each system
Transformation functions to convert data formats
Conflict resolution rules
Error handling and logging
Custom code is most appropriate when you have unique requirements that pre-built tools don't address.
Integration platforms provide pre-built connectors for HubSpot and PostgreSQL, allowing you to configure a two way sync without writing code. These platforms handle the technical details of authentication, data transformation, and synchronization.
Popular integration platforms include:
Stacksync
Workato
Zapier
Mulesoft
Celigo
These tools typically offer visual interfaces for mapping fields and setting up sync rules, making them accessible to users without programming experience.
Two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL can encounter several challenges. Understanding these issues helps you plan for and address them effectively.
HubSpot and PostgreSQL use different data types. For example, HubSpot might store a date as a string, while PostgreSQL uses a date type. These differences can cause problems during synchronization.
Common data type challenges include:
Date and time formats
Numeric precision
Text length limitations
Enumerated values (picklists in HubSpot)
Most integration tools include transformation functions that convert data between types automatically. For complex transformations, you may need to define custom conversion logic.
Both HubSpot and PostgreSQL schemas can change over time. New fields might be added, or existing fields might be renamed or removed. These changes can break a sync configuration if not handled properly.
To manage schema changes:
Monitor for new or modified fields in both systems
Update field mappings when changes occur
Test sync operations after schema changes
Consider using schema versioning to track changes
Some integration platforms detect schema changes automatically and prompt you to update your mappings accordingly.
HubSpot imposes limits on how many API requests you can make within a certain time period. These limits vary based on your HubSpot subscription tier. Exceeding these limits can cause sync operations to fail or be delayed.
Strategies for managing API limits include:
Batching records to reduce the number of API calls
Implementing retry logic with exponential backoff
Scheduling syncs during off-peak hours
Using incremental syncs that only process changed records
Monitoring your API usage helps you stay within limits and avoid disruptions to your sync processes.
Creating a reliable two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL involves following established best practices. These approaches help ensure data accuracy and system stability.
Start with a clean data set: Before setting up a sync, clean and deduplicate data in both systems. This creates a solid foundation for ongoing synchronization.
Use unique identifiers: Ensure each record has a stable, unique identifier that can be tracked across both systems. This helps prevent duplicate records and ensures updates affect the correct data.
Implement error logging: Set up comprehensive logging to capture any issues during the sync process. Logs should include details about which records failed to sync and why.
Test thoroughly: Before deploying to production, test your sync configuration with a subset of data. This helps identify and resolve issues before they affect your actual business data.
Monitor sync performance: Regularly check metrics such as sync time, success rate, and error frequency. This helps you identify and address performance issues before they become critical.
Document your configuration: Maintain detailed documentation of your field mappings, sync schedule, and conflict resolution rules. This helps with troubleshooting and knowledge transfer within your team.
By following these practices, you can create a two way sync that reliably keeps your HubSpot and PostgreSQL systems in alignment.
A two way sync between HubSpot and PostgreSQL creates a foundation for unified data across customer-facing and operational systems. This connection enables teams to work with consistent information regardless of which system they use.
Stacksync provides a platform for connecting HubSpot and PostgreSQL through a no-code interface. The system handles the technical aspects of two way sync including field mapping, data transformation, and conflict resolution.
With over 200 pre-built connectors, Stacksync supports integration between HubSpot, PostgreSQL, and many other systems. This allows businesses to create a connected data environment that spans their entire technology stack.
To learn more about connecting HubSpot and PostgreSQL with Stacksync, talk with a cloud architect.
Real-time sync uses webhooks from HubSpot and change data capture from PostgreSQL to detect changes as they happen. When a change occurs, the integration tool immediately transfers that change to the other system, typically within seconds.
PostgreSQL version 12 or higher works best for HubSpot integration. These versions support features like logical replication and JSONB data types that make handling HubSpot's data structure more efficient.
Most integration platforms allow you to filter which records sync based on criteria like record type, field values, or creation date. For example, you might sync only contacts with a specific lifecycle stage or deals above a certain value.
When the same record changes in both systems before a sync occurs, the integration tool uses conflict resolution rules to determine which version to keep. Common approaches include using the most recent update, prioritizing one system over the other, or applying different rules to different fields.
When troubleshooting failed syncs, check error logs for specific messages, verify API credentials are valid, confirm field mappings are correct, and ensure neither system has reached API rate limits. Integration platforms typically provide detailed logs that identify which records failed and why.
