You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more reliable means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the amazing online marketers on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They criticized “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Think of getting up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any type of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Facebook Lead Forms.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in odd places. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Wish to change item settings, page formats, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt with three different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, ideal?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Facebook Lead Forms
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” tool. But just because every person’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine objective testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your organization, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.