You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It became among one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, extra reliable methods to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), offered a lot more features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my organization burned. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel a SaaS Platform.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange areas. Also simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to transform product settings, page formats, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to search through three different locations that make no rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Real Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, ideal?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel a SaaS Platform
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I desire somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most up to date “advanced” tool. Yet even if every person’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually tested a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present configuration. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.