You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more effective ways to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, everything looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They blamed “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Imagine waking up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my business shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Billing.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in strange areas. Also straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to change item setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to search through three various areas that make no rational feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Billing
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire someone had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” tool. However just because everybody’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your business, I’ve checked a lot. Here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.