You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more reliable means to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided more features, and all the trendy marketers on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, everything looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking completely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Think of getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Business Model.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to change product setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt through three different areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software application developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Business Model
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “advanced” device. But just because every person’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check objective reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.