You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into among the most excruciating software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more reliable means to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used extra features, and all the cool marketers on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Picture awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Bugs happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my business shed. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Loyalty Program.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in unusual locations. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Want to alter product settings, web page formats, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to search through 3 various areas that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by designers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, ideal?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Loyalty Program
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the latest “advanced” tool. But even if everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your company, I have actually examined a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.