You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in reality? It turned into among the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the awesome marketing experts online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Envision getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on trust fund, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my service melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Merge Contacts.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in odd areas. Also straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Intend to change product setups, web page formats, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest through 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program developed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Merge Contacts
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. However even if everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Covert costs are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine unbiased evaluations, user forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.