You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more effective means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any type of platform. Insects take place. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my organization shed. At the same time, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Real Estate Snapshot.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual places. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to change product settings, page designs, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to quest with 3 different areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application built by designers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
Yet below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Real Estate Snapshot
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. However even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your company, I have actually examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.