Ever wonder why your HubSpot workflows aren't firing exactly when you expect? The problem might be simpler than you think - you're probably putting your filters in the wrong place.

The Two-Part Trigger System Most Users Misunderstand

Every HubSpot workflow trigger consists of two distinct components:

1. "Automatically trigger enrollment when an event occurs"
2. "And [objects] meet the following filter criteria"

These sections overlap considerably in functionality, creating confusion about where specific conditions should live. But there's definitely a right approach - and it's probably the opposite of what you're doing.

The Correct Trigger Strategy

Here's the formula for more reliable, testable, and powerful workflow triggers:

1. Make your enrollment trigger as general as possible (examples: "Object created" or "Property is known")
2. Make your filter criteria as specific as possible

Why This Approach Works Better

The benefits of this strategy are substantial:

1. Better visibility into trigger conflicts: Vague triggers make it immediately obvious when workflows overlap, helping you avoid the confusion of multiple workflows firing simultaneously
2. Easier testing capabilities: You can use HubSpot's built-in "Test Deal/Contact/Etc" functionality to verify your filter conditions work as expected - a huge time-saver when troubleshooting
3. More comparison options: Filters give you access to 18 different comparison operators versus just 4 in the trigger section
4. Greater specificity: Only filters can be further specified within groups, giving you more granular control over your automation logic

The Simple Switch That Makes a Big Difference

It's easy to overlook, but shifting your focus from complex triggers to robust filters will dramatically improve your workflow reliability and maintainability.

The next time you create a workflow, remember: keep triggers general, filters specific, and watch your automation effectiveness soar.

Ready to take your HubSpot workflows to the next level? Check out Daeda Essentials for advanced workflow tools that complement this approach perfectly.