You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of one of the most painful software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective means to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered more features, and all the awesome marketing experts on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest price me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any system. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my business burned. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Audit Logs.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd locations. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Intend to alter item setups, web page formats, and general flow? Cool– you’ll require to quest with three various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by engineers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail 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 getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Audit Logs
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I desire somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” device. But just because every person’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.