You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of the most agonizing software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more efficient means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used extra features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called support. They criticized “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That really did not happen right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel GPT-4 Turbo.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange locations. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to quest with three different areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel GPT-4 Turbo
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your business, I have actually examined a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.