You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I determined to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more effective ways to grow your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. Yet then, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting completely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days straight.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Visualize getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my company shed. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Insurance Snapshot.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to alter product setups, web page formats, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with three different locations that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software application developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, 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 manage their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Insurance Snapshot
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I want someone had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the current “cutting edge” tool. However even if everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial testimonials, user forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.