You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable means to expand your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used much more features, and all the trendy online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, everything looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I called assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of getting up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Kickoff Call.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in strange areas. Even straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to transform product settings, web page layouts, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to quest via 3 different locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Kickoff Call
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “advanced” tool. But even if everybody’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, 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 yourself what’s really not working in your present setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.