You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, extra reliable means to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the amazing marketing experts online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They blamed “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any platform. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not take place below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my business shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Newsletter.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to transform item settings, page formats, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest with three different areas that make no logical feeling. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want far better email 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 worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Newsletter
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I want someone had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” device. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect objective reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user 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 trusted, easy to use platform to run your organization, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.