You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It developed into among one of the most excruciating software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered a lot more features, and all the awesome marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not also speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
At first, whatever looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They blamed “server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Templates.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in odd locations. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to alter product setups, web page layouts, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make zero logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire far better email 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 becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Templates
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “innovative” tool. However just because everyone’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A system with a clean, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check unbiased evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I have actually evaluated a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.