You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among the most excruciating software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra reliable methods to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Vs REI Reply.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual locations. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Want to transform product settings, page formats, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt with 3 different areas that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, ideal?
Yet below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Vs REI Reply
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the most up to date “innovative” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.