You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of one of the most unpleasant software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more efficient methods to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered much more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked okay. But after that, out of no place, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days straight.
Overall chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel GoDaddy.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in unusual places. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to alter item setups, page designs, and total flow? Great– you’ll need to search with 3 various locations that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, ideal?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel GoDaddy
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” device. However just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed costs are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine unbiased evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey 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 on your own what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.