You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I determined to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into one of the most painful software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective methods to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used more features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They criticized “web server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my business melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Terms of Service.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to transform product setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the time, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, appropriate?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Terms of Service
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the latest “innovative” device. But even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your service, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for job administration, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.