You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more reliable methods to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got drawn in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the shed productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting entirely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They blamed “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs inTandem.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd places. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Wish to change product settings, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt with 3 various locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software built by engineers, for engineers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs inTandem
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I want someone had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the current “revolutionary” tool. But even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert costs are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually examined a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.