You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among the most painful software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra effective methods to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), offered more features, and all the amazing online marketers on-line seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Imagine waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That really did not occur here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my business melted. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside How Many Employees Does GoHighLevel Have.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Even straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Want to alter product setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search via three various areas that make no logical feeling. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software developed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Many Employees Does GoHighLevel Have
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. However even if everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect impartial reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve examined a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.