You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more efficient methods to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the trendy online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision awakening every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel API 1.0 & API 2.0.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange areas. Also straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to transform item setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to quest with 3 various locations that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, right?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel API 1.0 & API 2.0
The final straw? Enjoying my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” tool. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect honest reviews, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I have actually checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.