You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more effective methods to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used much more features, and all the awesome marketers online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. But then, out of no place, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. Three days straight.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Envision getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside FlowTrack Vs GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual locations. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to alter item setups, web page designs, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to quest via 3 different locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked FlowTrack Vs GoHighLevel
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I desire somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “advanced” tool. Yet just because every person’s talking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, user forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your business, I’ve tested a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.