You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became among the most painful software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable ways to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’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, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and sometimes points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the awesome marketers online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not even speak about the lost productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Think of getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That really did not occur here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my company shed. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Membership Subscription.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Even basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Want to transform product settings, web page layouts, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software application developed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Membership Subscription
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. However just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness 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 doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check honest reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve evaluated a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.