You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra effective methods to grow your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed 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 Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied much more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on depend on, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company shed. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Reputation Management Snapshot.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd areas. Also simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to change product setups, page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to search with 3 various locations that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Reputation Management Snapshot
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I want a person had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most recent “revolutionary” device. However even if every person’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine honest testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually checked a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.