You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It became among the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra reliable methods to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. But then, out of no place, people on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They condemned “web server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my business burned. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Special Offer.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to change item settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to search through three different locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Special Offer
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the latest “cutting edge” device. Yet even if everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the worst. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect impartial reviews, user forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.