You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among the most agonizing software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra effective methods to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you understand how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the trendy online marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my service burned. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Shopify.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Wish to change item settings, page formats, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest via 3 various locations that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Real Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Shopify
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I desire somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Select tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your organization, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.