You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra efficient methods to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got enticed in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered much more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Visualize waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Whitelabel Desktop App.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to alter product settings, page designs, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to quest with three different locations that make no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software program built by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Whitelabel Desktop App
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play detective while my list rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I desire a person had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the current “innovative” device. But just because everyone’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your organization, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your current setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.