You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra reliable ways to expand your company. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not also talk about the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, whatever looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called assistance. They blamed “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Imagine awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Partner Certification Program.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Want to change product setups, web page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via three different locations that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application built by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Partner Certification Program
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– here’s what I want someone 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” tool. However just because every person’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine honest testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use platform to run your business, I’ve examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering 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 just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.