You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into among the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more effective methods to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used extra features, and all the cool marketing experts on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting entirely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I called assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my organization shed. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside How Do I Promote GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in strange locations. Also simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to transform item setups, page formats, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through three various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like using software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Do I Promote GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down 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 things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the current “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed prices are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.