You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among the most agonizing software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more effective ways to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests happen. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my service burned. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Formaloo.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange places. Also straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to alter product setups, page formats, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to quest via three different areas that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application developed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Formaloo
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. However even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed costs are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually examined a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.