You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into among one of the most painful software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more effective ways to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered much more features, and all the awesome online marketers online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside How To Use GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd locations. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Intend to alter product setups, page layouts, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll need to search via three different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, appropriate?
But here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Use GoHighLevel
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I want a person had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. But even if everyone’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your present arrangement. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.