You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It became among the most excruciating software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective ways to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used much more features, and all the trendy marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my service shed. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside Vbout Vs GoHighLevel.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Intend to change item setups, web page formats, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to quest with 3 different locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Real Quick
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Vbout Vs GoHighLevel
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I wish somebody had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the current “advanced” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your company, I have actually checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t 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 truly not working in your existing arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.