You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of the most excruciating software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided extra features, and all the great marketers on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Envision awakening every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into the void while my business melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Assessments and Quizzes.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in strange places. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to transform product setups, web page layouts, and overall flow? Great– you’ll need to search via 3 various areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software program developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Assessments and Quizzes
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I wish a person had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most recent “cutting edge” device. But just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Examine honest evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your company, I have actually tested a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.