You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
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 trying to find smarter, much more efficient means to expand your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing 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 assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “web server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every minute I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Custom Objects.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Also basic tasks 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 started. Want to change product setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to quest via three various locations that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Custom Objects
The last straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d 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.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I desire a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden prices are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.