You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into among one of the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more reliable means to expand your company. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, whatever looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Visualize getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my company burned. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Texting & SMS.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual places. Even basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to transform item settings, page formats, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search with 3 various areas that make zero sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program built by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, right?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Texting & SMS
The final straw? Enjoying my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most up to date “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your service, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly 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 existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.