You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of the most agonizing software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got lured in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied much more features, and all the great marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They blamed “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Imagine awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Features.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird areas. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to change item setups, page layouts, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll need to search with 3 various locations that make no logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
Yet below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Features
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigative while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the current “innovative” tool. But even if every person’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect objective testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually checked a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.