You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of one of the most agonizing software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more efficient means to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used much more features, and all the great marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting totally unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Imagine getting up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every minute I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Spotify.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual places. Also simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Wish to change item setups, page formats, and total circulation? Great– you’ll require to hunt with three various locations that make no logical sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Spotify
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I wish someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect unbiased evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve examined a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project administration, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.