×

Hupspot guide to API calls

/ CRM, Hubspot / By

Understanding API Calls the Hubspot Way

Modern web apps, including platforms like Hubspot, rely on API calls to let different services talk to each other, move data, and trigger actions in real time.

This guide explains how API calls work, which parts they are made of, and how to structure them so you can build reliable integrations and troubleshoot issues quickly.

What Is an API Call in a Hubspot Style Stack?

An API (Application Programming Interface) defines how software components communicate. An API call is a request sent from one system to another to perform an operation or retrieve data.

In a typical web stack similar to Hubspot:

  • Your app is the client.
  • A remote service is the server.
  • You send requests over HTTP or HTTPS.
  • You receive responses, usually in JSON or XML.

Every call uses a clear structure so the server can understand what you want and how it should respond.

Core Parts of an API Call

Most API calls from tools like Hubspot share the same building blocks. Understanding these pieces helps you design clear, predictable integrations.

1. Endpoint URL

The endpoint is the web address of the resource you want to access. A typical pattern looks like:

https://api.example.com/v1/contacts

Key parts:

  • Base URL – main API host (for example, https://api.example.com).
  • Version – often /v1, /v2, and so on.
  • Resource path – such as /contacts, /deals, or /tickets.

2. HTTP Methods

HTTP methods describe what action the call should perform. The most common are:

  • GET – retrieve data, such as a list of contacts.
  • POST – create a new record.
  • PUT – update an existing record fully.
  • PATCH – update part of a record.
  • DELETE – remove a record.

Choosing the right method makes your integration predictable and easier to debug.

3. Headers

Headers carry metadata about the API call. Common headers include:

  • Authorization – for example, Authorization: Bearer <token>.
  • Content-Type – such as application/json.
  • Accept – the response format you expect.

4. Query Parameters

Query parameters refine your request without changing the resource path. They are added after a question mark in the URL.

GET /v1/contacts?limit=50&offset=100

Typical uses:

  • Pagination – limit, offset, or page.
  • Filtering – for example, status=active.
  • Sorting – for example, sort=created_at.

5. Request Body

The body is used mainly for POST, PUT, and PATCH calls to send data to the server. JSON is the most common format.

{
  "email": "user@example.com",
  "firstName": "Taylor",
  "lastName": "Lee"
}

Clean, well-structured bodies are critical when syncing contact and CRM data between systems.

6. Response

The response includes:

  • Status code – success or error type.
  • Headers – rate limit info, content type, and more.
  • Body – returned data, often JSON.

This is where your app reads results, confirms success, or handles errors.

HTTP Status Codes You Must Know

Every API call returns a status code. Platforms similar to Hubspot rely heavily on these codes to communicate outcomes.

  • 200 OK – the request succeeded.
  • 201 Created – a new resource was created.
  • 204 No Content – success, but no body is returned.
  • 400 Bad Request – invalid syntax or missing fields.
  • 401 Unauthorized – authentication failed or missing.
  • 403 Forbidden – you do not have access to this resource.
  • 404 Not Found – the resource does not exist.
  • 429 Too Many Requests – you hit a rate limit.
  • 500+ Server Errors – something is wrong on the server side.

How to Make an API Call (Step-by-Step)

The following steps outline a simple pattern you can use in any stack, including ones that integrate with Hubspot.

Step 1: Get Access Credentials

Before you start, obtain the correct credentials. This may include:

  • API keys
  • OAuth access tokens
  • Client ID and client secret

Store credentials securely and never hard-code them in public repositories.

Step 2: Choose the Right Endpoint

Identify the API documentation section that matches your goal, for example:

  • Create or update contacts
  • Fetch deals or tickets
  • Log activities such as emails or calls

Copy the relevant endpoint URL and method into your client or code.

Step 3: Configure Headers and Body

Next, set up:

  • Authorization header with your token or key
  • Content-Type header for JSON
  • Request body with the fields required by the API specification

Validate your JSON to avoid 400 errors from malformed bodies.

Step 4: Send the Request and Inspect the Response

Use tools like curl, Postman, or your preferred HTTP client library to send the request. Then check:

  • Status code for success or failure
  • Response body for returned data or error details
  • Headers for rate limit and pagination info

This feedback loop is essential to refine your calls as you build more complex automations.

Best Practices Inspired by Hubspot Style APIs

Well-designed APIs share several patterns that keep integrations stable and easier to maintain.

Use Consistent Naming

Follow consistent naming for endpoints, fields, and query parameters. Keep everything lowercase and separate words with underscores or hyphens.

Handle Rate Limits Gracefully

Many platforms, including those similar to Hubspot, apply rate limits to protect infrastructure. To handle them:

  • Check 429 status codes.
  • Read retry-after headers when available.
  • Implement exponential backoff before retrying.

Plan for Pagination

Large datasets are rarely returned in a single response. Look for:

  • limit and offset parameters
  • Cursor-based pagination tokens
  • Links in the response for next or previous pages

Design your data syncing logic with pagination in mind from the start.

Validate and Log Every API Call

For reliable integrations, always:

  • Validate input data before sending it.
  • Log request URLs, methods, and status codes.
  • Record error messages and correlation IDs when available.

This allows you to diagnose issues quickly, especially when syncing CRM records across systems.

Hubspot Style API Documentation and Further Reading

Detailed documentation, examples, and additional best practices for API calls like the ones described here are available in the original guide on the Hubspot blog. You can read more at this API call tutorial, which walks through concepts and practical examples.

If you want strategic help planning integrations, data flows, and migration projects that use APIs across tools such as CRM, analytics, and marketing platforms, you can also work with specialists at Consultevo.

Summary: Bringing Hubspot Style API Calls Into Your Stack

API calls are the backbone of modern SaaS and CRM ecosystems. By understanding endpoints, methods, headers, bodies, and responses, you can design integrations that are predictable, scalable, and easier to support over time.

Whether you are syncing contact data, automating workflows, or building custom reporting, mastering these patterns gives you a strong foundation for working with any RESTful API similar to the one described in the Hubspot tutorial.

Need Help With Hubspot?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Hubspot , work with ConsultEvo, a team who has a decade of Hubspot experience.

Scale Hubspot

“`

Verified by MonsterInsights