You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among the most agonizing software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective methods to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you understand 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 enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the cool online marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about 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 Began Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my organization shed. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Inbound Webhook.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual places. Also easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to change product setups, web page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search via three different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, right?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Inbound Webhook
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– below’s what I desire somebody had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. Yet just because everyone’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect impartial evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.