You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into among the most painful software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more efficient means to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided extra features, and all the awesome marketing professionals online seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to support. They criticized “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Visualize getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Mobile Estimates.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in weird locations. Even easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to transform product setups, page formats, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to search via three different locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by designers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Mobile Estimates
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. However even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user 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 prices are the worst. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check honest testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.