You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It became among one of the most agonizing software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more efficient means to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the great marketing professionals online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Envision awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Marketers Toolkit.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange places. Even basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to transform product settings, page formats, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt via 3 different locations that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program built by designers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, best?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Marketers Toolkit
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I want a person had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the current “innovative” tool. However just because everybody’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve examined a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help 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, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.