You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of one of the most agonizing software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient means to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered more features, and all the amazing marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked all right. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Imagine getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs HubSpot.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Even basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to transform item settings, page designs, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want better email 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 results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs HubSpot
The final straw? Watching my email open rates 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 switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. However just because everyone’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check objective reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use platform to run your service, I’ve tested a number. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.