You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more reliable methods to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used more features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and generally attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked okay. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They blamed “server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization burned. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Webinar.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Want to change item setups, web page layouts, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various areas that make no logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, appropriate?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Webinar
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I want somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. Yet just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed costs are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect objective testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your service, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
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, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.