You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It turned into among the most unpleasant software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more effective methods to grow your organization. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), offered more features, and all the great online marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. But then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “web server concerns.” However nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can’t pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my organization burned. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Software Companies.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in strange locations. Also easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to transform item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to search with 3 different locations that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program built by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, appropriate?
However here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Software Companies
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. However even if every person’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.