You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into one of the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered extra features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked fine. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted support. They blamed “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not take place right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Search Atlas.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Intend to alter item settings, page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search through 3 various areas that make no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
Yet right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Search Atlas
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most up to date “cutting edge” device. But just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check unbiased reviews, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.