You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It became one of the most painful software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
At first, everything looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Sell Snapshots.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in weird areas. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to transform item settings, web page formats, and general flow? Great– you’ll need to search via 3 various areas that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, right?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Sell Snapshots
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– below’s what I wish someone had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “advanced” device. However even if everybody’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your business, I’ve checked a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your existing arrangement. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.