You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became among the most uncomfortable software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more efficient methods to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I got lured in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), used a lot more features, and all the cool marketing experts on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They blamed “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust fund, you can not pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Referral Program.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to alter item settings, web page layouts, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt through three various areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software application built by engineers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, appropriate?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Referral Program
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– here’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the current “advanced” device. However even if everybody’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine impartial evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually examined a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your current configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.