You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of one of the most excruciating software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs FlowTrack.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in unusual locations. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to transform item setups, page formats, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest via 3 different locations that make no rational feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software built by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs FlowTrack
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden prices are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve examined a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your present setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.