You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective methods to expand your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used extra features, and all the great marketers on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I called assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Envision awakening every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any type of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Nimble CRM.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in odd places. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter item settings, web page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll require to search with three various locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software application developed by designers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, right?
But here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Nimble CRM
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. However even if everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine unbiased testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for task administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.