You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I decided to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into one of one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra reliable methods to expand your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided more features, and all the awesome marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked okay. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “web server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Instagram Shop.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in strange places. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to alter item settings, page layouts, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt with three different areas that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Instagram Shop
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
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 everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine objective evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve examined a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.