You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of the most painful software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more reliable means to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not also speak about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Envision getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on trust, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my service melted. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Advanced Account Setup.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Want to alter product settings, page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with three different locations that make no logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, ideal?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Advanced Account Setup
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I desire someone had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the latest “advanced” tool. Yet just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the worst. Select tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check honest reviews, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.