Reconciling Industry Classification Differences Between Clay and HubSpot

The Problem

HubSpot's standard industry categories are often too broad. For example, both Nike and Ulta Beauty are classified as "Retail" despite operating in different industries.

Solution: Custom Classification Mapping in Clay

Use Clay's AI to create custom industry classifications that map HubSpot's broad categories to your specific business needs.

Setup Steps

1. Create a lead scoring automation in Clay
2. Configure it to pull industry data from HubSpot
3. Map HubSpot categories to your custom industry list using an AI prompt

Example Prompt

"Map this industry value to our custom list and return only the best match."

Benefits

• Requires no ongoing maintenance
• Automatically transforms broad HubSpot categories into industry-specific classifications
• Creates a continuously updated, accurate industry taxonomy

Reconciling Industry Classification Between Clay and HubSpot

Solution: Custom AI Formula Mapping

Create a custom AI formula in Clay that automatically maps industry values to your standardized industry list.

Setup Steps

1. Define your industry categories - Create 5-6 predefined industry classifications with clear descriptions and examples for each category

2. Create an AI prompt that instructs the formula to:

   • Map incoming industry values to your predefined list
   • Select only values from your approved list
   • Return "Other" if no reasonable match exists
   • Example prompt: "Map this industry value to our list and select the best match. Only return values from the list. If no reasonable match exists, select 'Other'."

Benefits

• Automated mapping requires no ongoing maintenance
• Consistent filtering across all future campaigns
• Standardized data ensures clean HubSpot sync

Related Resources

• Lead Scoring & Inbound Automation
• Transform Data Into Clear Classifications
• Anthropic Case Study

Reconciling Industry Classification Differences Between Clay and HubSpot

Solution: Create a Custom Field with Standardized Categories

1. Create a new custom field in HubSpot called "Industry Classification (Clay)" or similar

2. Define a limited set of key industries rather than allowing open-ended classification

   • Select only the primary industries or sub-industries relevant to your business
   • This creates consistency and prevents classification sprawl

3. Configure Clay to map company data to your predefined industry categories

   • Use AI to determine the best-fit category for each company
   • Ensures all companies are classified against the same taxonomy

Benefits

• Easier campaign filtering — Target campaigns to specific industries with clean, standardized data
• Improved data consistency — Eliminates discrepancies between Clay and HubSpot classification systems
• Better segmentation — Enables reliable industry-based audience building