You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It turned into one of one of the most agonizing software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient ways to grow your company. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), used much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked okay. But then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Overall disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not occur here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my business burned. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside Does GoHighLevel Have A Mobile App.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Even simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Intend to alter item settings, page layouts, and general flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt through 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
However right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Does GoHighLevel Have A Mobile App
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I wish someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “advanced” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
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 existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.