You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It turned into among one of the most painful software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your service. Simply … 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 to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked all right. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Imagine awakening every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not happen right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel PayLater.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to transform item settings, web page designs, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll require to search through 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel PayLater
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I want somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the current “advanced” tool. Yet just because everybody’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform 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. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your company, I’ve checked a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.