You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became among the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable ways to expand your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked fine. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I contacted support. They condemned “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can’t manage to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Affiliate Program.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in strange areas. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to transform item settings, page formats, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll need to search through 3 different locations that make no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software application built by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, right?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Affiliate Program
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I wish someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” device. Yet just because every person’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your company, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.