You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more efficient means to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They blamed “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Pests happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Dummies.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in unusual places. Also straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Want to change item settings, page layouts, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search through three various locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Half the time, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Dummies
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” device. However just because everybody’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine objective evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.