You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It became among the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more reliable ways to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They blamed “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect perfection from any platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
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. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Services.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Wish to transform item setups, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll need to quest via 3 different locations that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Services
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “revolutionary” tool. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Inspect honest evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use platform to run your company, I’ve checked a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for 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, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.