So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Vs Vtiger.
I get it. The guarantee is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing everything under one roofing sounds like an efficiency desire. But let me quit you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I desire someone had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your favored pair of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned great.
I imply, Keap dealt with every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, yet it was trustworthy. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire technology stack is harsh. I wish I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental energy it sucked out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Completely pointless content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed sequences, even connected to support. Their response? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. You need to gain access to 3 various setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to like the flexibility, however every little thing about the customer experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t envision what it resembles for somebody just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution charges via Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs Vtiger.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of email marketing, you understand how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, developing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain flushed away.
That’s exactly what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your credibility, your customer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was strong. That deserves greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for affordable price– look at the real price.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the radiant reviews available? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that actually functions the means it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job monitoring tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their largest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a major movement– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also hard to build something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just function.