You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more effective ways to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), provided a lot more features, and all the cool marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I called assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Imagine awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust fund, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs take place. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my service burned. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs SuiteDash.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in unusual locations. Also easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Wish to alter item settings, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest via 3 various locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs SuiteDash
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the latest “innovative” tool. But just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve evaluated a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.