You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more efficient ways to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the trendy marketers online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, everything looked fine. But then, out of no place, people on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called support. They criticized “web server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Imagine waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not happen below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my business shed. At the same time, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Roadmap.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange locations. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Wish to alter product setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with 3 various locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application built by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, appropriate?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included 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 simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Roadmap
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most up to date “advanced” device. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.