You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It became one of the most excruciating software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra effective methods to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster pile of tools just to run your daily, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used extra features, and all the great marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Imagine awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests take place. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That really did not happen below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my business burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Reseller.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange places. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Intend to transform product settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll need to search via three different locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Reseller
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– here’s what I desire somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” device. Yet just because everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your service, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for task administration, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.