You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became one of the most excruciating software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective ways to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), used a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization burned. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Revenue.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in weird areas. Also simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Want to change product setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to search through three different locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software application developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, appropriate?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Revenue
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my list decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– right here’s what I want a person had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “cutting edge” tool. However just because everybody’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Check honest evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not just slick sales 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 organization, I have actually checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.