You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more reliable ways to grow your business. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your everyday, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the amazing online marketers on the internet appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not even talk about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked fine. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Social Media.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in odd areas. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to alter product settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to search via 3 various locations that make no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by designers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, right?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Social Media
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– below’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the most up to date “innovative” device. However just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Examine impartial evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I have actually examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.