You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of the most agonizing software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective ways to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got drawn in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Envision getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Call Tracking.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual areas. Also easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to change item settings, page layouts, and overall circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to search with 3 different locations that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, right?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Call Tracking
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the latest “advanced” device. Yet even if every person’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check honest reviews, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive 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 actually not working in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.