You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra reliable means to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, everything looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company burned. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs SharpSpring.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Wish to alter item setups, page designs, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to quest through 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software application built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, ideal?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
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 good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs SharpSpring
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “revolutionary” device. However even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Examine objective reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually examined a number. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.