You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra effective ways to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the awesome online marketers online seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They criticized “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not happen below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Interface.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in odd locations. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to alter product settings, web page designs, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt through 3 different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like using software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Interface
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped about the latest “revolutionary” tool. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check objective testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer 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 system to run your business, I’ve tested a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.