You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into among the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra effective ways to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your daily, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the great online marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I called assistance. They condemned “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of system. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Klaviyo.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to alter item setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt via three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software built by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much 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 actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Klaviyo
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I wish somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “innovative” tool. However even if every person’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present 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, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I’ve checked a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.