You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective ways to expand your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used extra features, and all the great online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of no place, people on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They criticized “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Envision getting up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my service shed. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Keap.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to alter product setups, web page layouts, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via 3 various locations that make zero sensible feeling. Half the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Keap
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the latest “advanced” device. However even if everybody’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect impartial testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your service, I have actually examined a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might 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 yourself what’s truly not operating in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.