You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of one of the most painful software program decisions I’ve 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 seeking smarter, much more reliable means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. But then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not happen right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my company shed. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Property Management.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd areas. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Great– you’ll need to search via three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Property Management
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the current “cutting edge” device. However even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. 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 bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve evaluated a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job management, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.