You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It turned into among the most agonizing software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective ways to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered much more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called support. They blamed “web server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not take place below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my business burned. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Jessica Clark.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Also straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Wish to change product setups, page designs, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt with three different locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application built by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far 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 actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Jessica Clark
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I want someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the latest “cutting edge” device. However just because everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed costs are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Inspect honest reviews, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.