You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It became among one of the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more effective methods to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster stack of devices 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 liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the cool marketing experts online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Total chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Think of getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any system. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Jobber.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in unusual locations. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Intend to alter product settings, page layouts, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Jobber
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I wish somebody had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “innovative” device. But even if every person’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your organization, I’ve examined a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.