You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among the most unpleasant software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more effective methods to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got lured in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the awesome online marketers online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not also discuss the shed performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Imagine awakening every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can’t pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my service melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel Worth It.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual places. Even basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to change product settings, page designs, and total circulation? Great– you’ll require to hunt via 3 different locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software application built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel Worth It
The final straw? Watching my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I wish a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve checked a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your present arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.