You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I decided to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into one of the most excruciating software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more reliable ways to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the awesome marketers on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
At first, whatever looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They blamed “web server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can’t pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my business burned. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Phone Integration.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to transform item setups, page layouts, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to search via 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, right?
Yet below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want 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 good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Phone Integration
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.