You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into among one of the most agonizing software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more reliable means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your daily, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied extra features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my business melted. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside Does GoHighLevel Work with Google Ads.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd locations. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to alter item setups, web page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through 3 different locations that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, best?
But here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Does GoHighLevel Work with Google Ads
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I want someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However just because every person’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect objective reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your organization, I have actually tested a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Superb for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.