You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among one of the most excruciating software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective means to grow your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you understand how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and often things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used much more features, and all the awesome marketing experts on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Visualize awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests take place. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Contact Source.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in odd locations. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to transform product settings, web page formats, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest via 3 different areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Contact Source
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I want a person had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the current “advanced” device. Yet even if every person’s speaking about something doesn’t imply 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 always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed costs are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect honest evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not 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 actually not operating in your present arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.