You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, more effective methods to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used much more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked fine. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking completely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I contacted support. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Visualize getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Affiliate Ads.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Want to alter item settings, page layouts, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to search via 3 various areas that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Real Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Affiliate Ads
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I want a person had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect impartial evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your business, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.