You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable methods to grow your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got lured in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied extra features, and all the trendy marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They condemned “web server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Think of getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Insects happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Cyber Monday Deals.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Wish to change product settings, page formats, and general flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest through three various areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like using software application developed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, right?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Cyber Monday Deals
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I desire a person had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “advanced” tool. But even if every person’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve evaluated a lot. Here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task administration, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your existing configuration. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.