You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, only to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I chose to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more reliable methods to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided extra features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked okay. However after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any kind of system. Pests take place. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs ClientManager.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in unusual locations. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to change product setups, page formats, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt through three different locations that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application built by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, best?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs ClientManager
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I want someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” tool. But just because everyone’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually evaluated a number. Here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.