You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into one of the most agonizing software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more reliable ways to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. 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 devices simply to run your daily, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered extra features, and all the awesome online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. But then, out of no place, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Visualize waking up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my service melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Masterclass.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to change product setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, right?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Masterclass
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I wish someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the current “advanced” tool. But even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly platform to run your service, I have actually checked a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.