You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became among the most excruciating software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used more features, and all the awesome marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting entirely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Imagine waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects happen. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my service melted. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Course Completion Certificates.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Wish to alter product setups, page formats, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt through three different locations that make zero rational sense. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program built by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, appropriate?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
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 worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Course Completion Certificates
The final straw? Enjoying my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– here’s what I wish someone had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the latest “innovative” device. However just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Check objective evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer 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 trustworthy, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.