You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more efficient methods to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking completely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can’t manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Insects happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not occur here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my company burned. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For B2C.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange locations. Even basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search with three various areas that make no rational feeling. Half the time, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, appropriate?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random 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 worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For B2C
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I want somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” device. But even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine unbiased testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your service, I have actually tested a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.