You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I made a decision to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more reliable methods to expand your company. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the awesome marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. However after that, out of no place, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I called assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Envision awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any system. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my business shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel A2P Registration.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Intend to alter item settings, page designs, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll need to quest via 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel A2P Registration
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “cutting edge” device. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your organization, I’ve checked a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for project administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.