You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It developed into among the most excruciating software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more effective methods to grow your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the great online marketers on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, everything looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They condemned “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not occur right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Automatic Taxes.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird places. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to alter product setups, page formats, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to search with three various locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Real Costly, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Automatic Taxes
The final straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I wish a person had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a number. Here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.