You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of the most agonizing software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective ways to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied much more features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Envision awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my company shed. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel SaaS Blueprint.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in strange areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to transform item setups, page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll need to quest through 3 different locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application constructed by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel SaaS Blueprint
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” tool. However just because every person’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Select tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketers)
Examine unbiased evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually examined a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.