You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra reliable ways to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
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 managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the amazing online marketers on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also discuss the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They criticized “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Imagine waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not occur here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my company burned. At the same time, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside How Many Users Does GoHighLevel Have.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in weird places. Also straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to transform product settings, page formats, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt via three various locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, best?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Many Users Does GoHighLevel Have
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. But just because everyone’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect impartial evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your service, I have actually tested a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.