You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became among one of the most excruciating software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more efficient means to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied much more features, and all the great marketers on-line seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked okay. However then, out of no place, people on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my organization burned. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Loan Officers.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in weird areas. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Want to alter item settings, page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to search through 3 various locations that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much 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 been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Loan Officers
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigative while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the current “cutting edge” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine unbiased evaluations, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually tested a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.