You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It became one of the most agonizing software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient means to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered extra features, and all the awesome marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, everything looked fine. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I contacted support. They criticized “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my business shed. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Blog Post Importer.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to search through 3 various areas that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program built by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, best?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Blog Post Importer
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I want someone had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check unbiased reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just glossy 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 system to run your service, I have actually tested a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.