You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided more features, and all the cool online marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Total chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture awakening every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Black Friday Deal.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to transform item setups, page formats, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to search with three different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, best?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Black Friday Deal
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” device. However even if everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.