You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I chose to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became among one of the most agonizing software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more reliable means to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the trendy marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. But then, out of no place, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel WordPress Hosting.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in odd areas. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing 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 settings, web page formats, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search via three different locations that make zero rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software program constructed by designers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, appropriate?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel WordPress Hosting
The final straw? Watching my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. However even if every person’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Check honest reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for task administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.