You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into among the most agonizing software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more effective methods to grow your business. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, whatever looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Visualize waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs happen. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my company burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Website Examples.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange areas. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to change product setups, page formats, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest with three different locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, right?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Website Examples
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. Yet even if every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve checked a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.