You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective methods to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided a lot more features, and all the great marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not also talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They blamed “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my service burned. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel HIPAA Compliance.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird places. Even basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to change product setups, page layouts, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
However here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel HIPAA Compliance
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most up to date “advanced” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire 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 company, I have actually tested a number. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.