You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, extra reliable methods to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), but still– I obtained drawn in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply 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. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing 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
At first, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They criticized “web server concerns.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of system. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not take place below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into the void while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Cost.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in strange places. Also 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. Wish to transform product settings, web page formats, and general flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Cost
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– below’s what I want someone had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” device. But even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.