You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It became among the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra effective ways to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), provided more features, and all the cool marketers on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, everything looked fine. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called support. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Imagine awakening every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any platform. Pests take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my service burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Course Creators Playbook.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual places. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Want to transform item settings, web page layouts, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest via three various locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software developed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
Yet here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Course Creators Playbook
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I wish a person had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the current “innovative” tool. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.