You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra reliable ways to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Envision waking up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Media Library UI.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Wish to transform product settings, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest with three various locations that make no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program built by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Media Library UI
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “cutting edge” device. However just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly platform to run your service, I have actually examined a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.