You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It became among the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more reliable methods to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the awesome marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can’t pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my service burned. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Services.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in weird locations. Also straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Wish to change product setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to search through 3 different locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software built by engineers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, ideal?
Yet right here’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 payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Services
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– right here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “cutting edge” device. However just because everybody’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your service, I’ve tested a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help 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, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.