You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I determined to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable ways to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the cool marketers online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Imagine awakening every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can’t manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my company burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Odoo.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual places. Even simple 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 get me started. Wish to change product settings, page layouts, and overall flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt via 3 different locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software application built by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, best?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Odoo
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I want a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “cutting edge” device. But just because every person’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect objective evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, pricey 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 yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.