You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It became among the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, a lot more reliable methods to expand your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. 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, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand just 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 promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the great marketing professionals on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked fine. But then, out of no place, people on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Imagine waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Updates.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange areas. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to transform item setups, page designs, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt through 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application built by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, right?
Yet below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Updates
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most up to date “innovative” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.