What level of Intercom expertise do I need for setting up basic customer support vs advanced automation?
Basic support setup (chat widget, manual conversations, simple help desk) needs beginner-level skills and can be done in a few days. Advanced automation like behavioral triggers, complex workflows, and integration with other tools requires intermediate to advanced expertise and typically takes weeks to implement properly.
How can I tell if a candidate actually knows Intercom well versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a specific automation workflow they've built, explain how they've used customer segmentation for messaging, or describe how they measure and optimize conversation performance. Real expertise shows up in their ability to think strategically about customer journeys, not just feature knowledge.
Can Intercom replace our existing CRM and email marketing tools, or does it work alongside them?
Intercom works best alongside existing tools rather than replacing them. While it has CRM-like features for customer data, it's primarily designed for real-time messaging and support. Most businesses integrate Intercom with their CRM (like Salesforce) and use it to complement rather than replace their email marketing platform.
How well does Intercom integrate with tools we're already using like Shopify, Slack, or Google Analytics?
Intercom has strong native integrations with major platforms like Shopify for e-commerce data, Slack for team notifications, and Google Analytics for website behavior tracking. It also connects well through Zapier for hundreds of other tools. The key is finding someone who understands how to set up these integrations to create seamless data flow.
How long does it typically take to set up Intercom for a growing business with basic automation needs?
Basic setup with chat, simple automation, and help desk features usually takes 2-4 weeks for a thorough implementation. This includes customer data import, conversation routing setup, basic automation sequences, and team training. More complex implementations with advanced automation and multiple integrations can take 6-8 weeks.
What kind of ongoing maintenance does Intercom require after the initial setup is complete?
Intercom needs regular optimization of automation workflows based on performance data, updates to conversation routing as your team grows, and periodic review of customer segmentation rules. Expect to spend a few hours monthly on maintenance, plus more time for seasonal campaigns or major feature rollouts. Most businesses benefit from having someone who can make these ongoing improvements rather than just handling the initial setup.