You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more efficient means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used much more features, and all the amazing marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not also speak about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That really did not occur here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Set Your Own Markup.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in weird places. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to change product settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to quest with 3 various areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Set Your Own Markup
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the latest “revolutionary” tool. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check impartial evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve tested a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.