You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of the most unpleasant software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got lured in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest price me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They blamed “web server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Personal Trainers.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange areas. Also easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to alter product settings, page formats, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt via three different areas that make zero sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Personal Trainers
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “cutting edge” tool. However just because everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine objective evaluations, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve evaluated a lot. Here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
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, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing arrangement. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.