You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable 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 walk you via specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra efficient methods to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the important things. 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, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of devices simply to run your daily, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used much more features, and all the cool online marketers online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked alright. But then, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any system. Insects take place. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my service burned. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside How Many People Use GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Want to alter product settings, page formats, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest through three various areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, appropriate?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Many People Use GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “advanced” tool. But even if everyone’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always 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. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check objective testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve tested a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.