You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It became among the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more effective methods to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I got drawn in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered much more features, and all the great marketers online seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even speak about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Think of waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Keap vs GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to alter item setups, page designs, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt with three different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, right?
But here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Keap vs GoHighLevel
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 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 below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I wish a person had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine objective evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually tested a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.