You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more efficient means to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the great marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked all right. But then, out of no place, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I contacted support. They blamed “web server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any system. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not happen here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my company melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Attorneys.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd locations. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to transform product settings, page formats, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to quest through three various areas that make zero logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, right?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Attorneys
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I want somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the latest “innovative” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect honest testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
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 solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.