You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into among one of the most painful software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more effective methods to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered extra features, and all the great marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, 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 moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. But then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I restore the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Visualize getting up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my business shed. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Udemy.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual places. Also easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to transform item setups, page formats, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to search via three various locations that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Udemy
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I wish a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” tool. But just because every person’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive 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
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually tested a lot. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.