You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, just to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more reliable methods to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), provided more features, and all the awesome online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Appointment Booking.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Wish to alter item settings, web page layouts, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll need to search through 3 various locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, appropriate?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Appointment Booking
The final straw? Enjoying my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I wish a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. But just because every person’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your organization, I’ve tested a lot. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was a discouraging, expensive 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 yourself what’s truly not working in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.