You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, more effective means to expand your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also discuss the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked fine. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Think of getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my service shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Namecheap.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in strange places. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to change product settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Cool– you’ll require to search with three different areas that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software built by engineers, for engineers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Namecheap
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “revolutionary” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine impartial testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real 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 dependable, easy to use platform to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.