You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used much more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Envision getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on depend on, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my service melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel GoKollab.com.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird places. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Intend to transform product setups, web page designs, and overall flow? Great– you’ll need to search with 3 various locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, appropriate?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel GoKollab.com
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I want someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the most up to date “innovative” tool. Yet just because everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise costs are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check honest reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve examined a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.