You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into among the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra effective means to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used extra features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked alright. But then, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They criticized “server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Think of getting up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my business melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Project Management.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird places. Even straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to transform product setups, page formats, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt through 3 various areas that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program built by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Project Management
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the current “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine honest testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually checked a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.