You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It turned into among the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more effective methods to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied more features, and all the awesome marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked okay. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Insects occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t occur below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Cookies Policy.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange areas. Even basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Intend to alter item settings, web page designs, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll require to search with 3 various areas that make absolutely no logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software program built by designers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, right?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Cookies Policy
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I want somebody had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. However just because everybody’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.