You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into among the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra efficient means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), but still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied more features, and all the great online marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, everything looked all right. But then, out of no place, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Picture getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any type of platform. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not occur here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Photography.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Want to change item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Photography
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “advanced” tool. However just because every person’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine impartial testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually checked a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.