You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into one of the most agonizing software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided more features, and all the trendy online marketers on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not also speak about the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Picture getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Net Worth.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Also easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to transform item setups, web page designs, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via three various locations that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, ideal?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Net Worth
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job management, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.