You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It became among one of the most painful software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more efficient methods to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the amazing marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Languages.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks 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 change product settings, page designs, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to quest through 3 various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
But here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Languages
The last straw? Watching my email 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 dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine honest testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your service, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.