You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became one of one of the most excruciating software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more efficient ways to grow your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the trendy marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to support. They blamed “server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my company shed. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel TikTok Lead Ads.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange places. Even basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to alter item settings, web page formats, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to quest through 3 different locations that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, right?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel TikTok Lead Ads
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect unbiased evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I’ve tested a number. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.