You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of the most unpleasant software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra effective means to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case 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 managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided more features, and all the great marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Think of awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my business melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Wholesale Real Estate.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual locations. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Intend to change product settings, page designs, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to quest via 3 various areas that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like using software program built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Wholesale Real Estate
The final straw? Watching my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” device. However even if everyone’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve tested a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not 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 actually not working in your current configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.