You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of the most agonizing software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more reliable means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketing experts online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Visualize getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any type of system. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Personal Booking Calendar.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to alter item setups, web page designs, and general flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt with three various locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like using software application developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far 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 getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Personal Booking Calendar
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. However even if everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Choose tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually tested a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.