You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra reliable methods to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got lured in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called support. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Imagine waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That really did not occur here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Mobile App.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Wish to transform item settings, page formats, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll require to search via three various areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, right?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
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 actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Mobile App
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped about the latest “revolutionary” tool. However even if everybody’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.