You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more reliable ways to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any platform. Bugs happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Snapshot Report.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in odd areas. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter item setups, page formats, and total flow? Cool– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make no logical feeling. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Snapshot Report
The final straw? Watching my email 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 things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire a person had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “cutting edge” tool. However even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your business, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.