You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into one of the most excruciating software program decisions 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 via precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the great marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting totally irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Visualize waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any system. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my business melted. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs ThriveCart.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in unusual locations. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Intend to change item setups, page layouts, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to quest via three different locations that make no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs ThriveCart
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I want a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the current “cutting edge” tool. But even if everybody’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine objective evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.