You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra reliable ways to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered extra features, and all the cool marketing experts online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked okay. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my organization burned. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Vtiger.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd locations. Even simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to alter item settings, page designs, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt via three various areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, appropriate?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want far 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 been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Vtiger
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the most up to date “cutting edge” device. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine impartial reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually examined a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.