You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most painful software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more efficient ways to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the great marketers on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Envision getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my business melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Basic Account Setup.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in odd places. Also straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Intend to change product setups, page formats, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search via 3 various locations that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software application built by designers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire 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 been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Basic Account Setup
The last straw? Watching my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. Yet just because everybody’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine unbiased evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your service, I have actually tested a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.