You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra reliable methods to grow your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained lured in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used extra features, and all the awesome marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my service melted. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Sub Account.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange places. Even simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to change item settings, web page layouts, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt with three various locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, right?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Sub Account
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I desire a person had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” device. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your business, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.