You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among one of the most uncomfortable software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, more efficient means to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Bugs occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen below.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Multiple Phone Numbers.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to transform item setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via three various areas that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire far better email 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 becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Multiple Phone Numbers
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I wish a person had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.