You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of the most painful software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, much more efficient ways to expand your company. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), but still– I got tempted in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They condemned “server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my business melted. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Workflows.
The UX was confusing. Things 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 also obtain me began. Want to alter product setups, page designs, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll require to search through 3 various locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, best?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Workflows
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine impartial testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.