You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more efficient ways to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied much more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not even speak about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Envision awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not happen right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my business melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Pro SaaS Plan.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange places. Even easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Want to alter item settings, page layouts, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll need to quest via three various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like using software application built by designers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, right?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Pro SaaS Plan
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I want a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” tool. Yet even if every person’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual customer experience– not simply 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 reputable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.