You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into among one of the most agonizing software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more reliable ways to grow your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Personalized forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Think of waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel CallRail.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Intend to alter product settings, page formats, and total flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt with three various areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by designers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel CallRail
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I desire a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the latest “advanced” device. Yet just because every person’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real individual experience– not just 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, user-friendly platform to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.