You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more efficient methods to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your everyday, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the great marketing experts online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not take place below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Nutshell CRM.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to change item settings, page formats, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest with 3 different areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software application developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, best?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Nutshell CRM
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I want a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “advanced” device. However just because everybody’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect objective evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.