You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the trendy marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Visualize waking up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t occur here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my service shed. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Zendesk.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird places. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Want to transform product settings, web page formats, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search with 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software application developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
However here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Zendesk
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I desire somebody had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “advanced” tool. But even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the worst. Select devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine objective evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve examined a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.