You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more effective methods to expand your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the cool online marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called assistance. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Think of waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my service burned. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure 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 Your Card Has Been Declined.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd locations. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to alter item setups, page formats, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to quest through three different locations that make no logical feeling. Half the time, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Real Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Your Card Has Been Declined
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I want someone had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the latest “cutting edge” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect honest evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve examined a number. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey 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 working in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.