You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It became among the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra reliable means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called assistance. They condemned “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Advanced API.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual places. Also easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Intend to change product settings, web page formats, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to search via three various areas that make zero logical sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software constructed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, appropriate?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Advanced API
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” tool. However even if everyone’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
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 solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly 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 on your own what’s truly not working in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.