You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more efficient methods to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the amazing marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, whatever looked alright. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture awakening every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any system. Bugs take place. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Global Sections.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird locations. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Wish to alter item setups, page layouts, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to search with 3 different areas that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software program built by designers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Global Sections
The final straw? Enjoying my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the current “revolutionary” device. However even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check unbiased reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on 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 organization, I have actually checked a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.