You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of one of the most agonizing software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your daily, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got lured in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used much more features, and all the great marketing experts on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Think of getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my business burned. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Website Templates.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in strange areas. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to change product settings, page designs, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest via three different locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, ideal?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Website Templates
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. But even if everybody’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user 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, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.