You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most agonizing software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to expand your company. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the awesome marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I called support. They condemned “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Split Testing.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange locations. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to change item setups, page formats, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to search through three various locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
However right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Split Testing
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire somebody had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “advanced” tool. Yet even if everybody’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.