You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It developed into among the most painful software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more efficient ways to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got lured in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied extra features, and all the great marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers each time. Three days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Think of getting up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Bugs happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not happen here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my business burned. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside Is ClickFunnels Better Than GoHighLevel.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in strange places. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via 3 different areas that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program developed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
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 worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is ClickFunnels Better Than GoHighLevel
The last straw? Enjoying my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the current “cutting edge” tool. However even if everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Examine honest evaluations, user forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a lot. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.