You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It became one of one of the most painful software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, more effective methods to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize 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 got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the great marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Allow’s not also speak about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked okay. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called assistance. They blamed “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Imagine getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my service melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Training.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Intend to transform item settings, web page designs, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll need to search through 3 different locations that make zero logical sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software built by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Training
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. Yet just because everybody’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed prices are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check unbiased reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.