You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more efficient ways to grow your company. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. However after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Pros and Cons.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in odd places. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to transform item settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Fast
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, right?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything 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 Pros and Cons
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” tool. However even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user 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 trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.