You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra effective means to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the great online marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also discuss the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any platform. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my business melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Notifications.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to alter product settings, page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest through three different areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software application developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, best?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Notifications
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I want someone had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the most recent “innovative” device. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your company, I have actually examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your present configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.