You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, a lot more effective ways to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on-line seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
Initially, everything looked alright. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted support. They condemned “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Think of getting up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on trust fund, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my service melted. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Plumbing Playbook.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in unusual areas. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to alter product setups, web page designs, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt through 3 various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software program constructed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire much 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 been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Plumbing Playbook
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I wish someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “revolutionary” device. Yet even if every person’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check objective testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually checked a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.