You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into one of one of the most unpleasant software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more reliable methods to expand your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the awesome marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Think of awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Pests occur. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Appointment Notes.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd areas. Also easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to alter product setups, web page designs, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll need to search with 3 various locations that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software application built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire 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 just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Appointment Notes
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail 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 called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– right here’s what I want someone had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.