You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more efficient means to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster stack of tools just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the awesome marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked okay. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking completely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They criticized “web server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not happen right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my business shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Awards.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd areas. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to alter item settings, web page formats, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt through 3 different areas that make no logical feeling. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, best?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Awards
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “revolutionary” device. However just because every person’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert expenses are the worst. Select tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.