You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became among the most agonizing software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra effective ways to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers on the internet seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
At first, whatever looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Pests take place. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my service melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Affiliate Commission.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd places. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to alter product setups, web page formats, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search with three different areas that make zero logical sense. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software application built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Affiliate Commission
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I want a person had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually tested a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.