You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more reliable means to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also discuss the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They criticized “server issues.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not occur right here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my business melted. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Overview.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird areas. Also straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to alter item settings, page formats, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt through three various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater 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 Overview
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I desire someone had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “advanced” device. Yet just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Choose tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your service, I’ve checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job management, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.