You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It became one of the most unpleasant software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more effective means to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided much more features, and all the trendy online marketers on the internet seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, whatever looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Visualize awakening every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t occur below.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my company melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Branded Domain.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to alter product settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to search via 3 different areas that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like using software program built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, best?
However right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Branded Domain
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the current “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everybody’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Select tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine objective testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.