You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting completely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Imagine getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect perfection from any platform. Bugs happen. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t take place right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my company shed. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure 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 List of GoHighLevel Features.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual areas. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to alter item settings, page designs, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest with three various areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, ideal?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked List of GoHighLevel Features
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. But even if every person’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly system to run your organization, I have actually checked a number. Right here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.