You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more efficient means to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used more features, and all the cool online marketers online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Mailgun.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange locations. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Want to transform item settings, page formats, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt with 3 various locations that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail 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 worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Mailgun
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– right here’s what I want a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” device. However just because everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden expenses are the worst. Select tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.