You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra effective ways to expand your business. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices simply to run your daily, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I got enticed in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real 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. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They criticized “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any type of system. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Zoho.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd areas. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to alter item setups, page designs, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt via three different locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Fast
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
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 worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Zoho
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody 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 “advanced” tool. But just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial reviews, user forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.