You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became among one of the most agonizing software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more reliable means to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered extra features, and all the great online marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside Buy GoHighLevel Snapshots.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird locations. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to alter item settings, web page layouts, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll need to search via 3 different areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want much 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 actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Buy GoHighLevel Snapshots
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “advanced” tool. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.