You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of one of the most excruciating software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more reliable methods to expand your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Picture getting up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Monthly Town Hall.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange areas. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to transform item setups, web page designs, and overall circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to quest with three different locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much 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 becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Monthly Town Hall
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I want a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “innovative” device. However even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.