You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into one of one of the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra reliable means to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided extra features, and all the cool marketers on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not also discuss the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I called assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on depend on, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my service melted. Meanwhile, every minute I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Mortgage Snapshot.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in weird places. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Wish to alter product settings, page designs, and overall flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three various areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Mortgage Snapshot
The final straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I want someone had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” device. However even if everybody’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, 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 prices are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check objective reviews, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.