You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more reliable methods to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. 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 Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided extra features, and all the cool marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my business burned. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Inventory Management.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Want to transform product settings, web page designs, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt via three various locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Inventory Management
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I wish a person had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “revolutionary” device. However just because everybody’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer 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 reliable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.