You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It turned into one of the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, extra efficient means to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I obtained lured in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered more features, and all the amazing online marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs Zoho One.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird areas. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to change item setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to quest with 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs Zoho One
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I want somebody had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. Yet even if every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.