You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most excruciating software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more efficient ways to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the awesome online marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. But after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Imagine awakening every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my company shed. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Builder.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird locations. Also straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Want to transform item setups, page formats, and overall circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt via three different locations that make zero logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, appropriate?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Builder
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “innovative” device. However even if everybody’s talking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your business, I have actually tested a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit 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 edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.