You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump 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 looking for smarter, more effective means to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.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 change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the cool marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even speak about the shed productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked alright. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any type of system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Skool.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to change item settings, page formats, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through 3 various areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing 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 mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Skool
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “advanced” device. Yet just because every person’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A platform 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 Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I have actually examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.