You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I made a decision to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more effective methods to expand your company. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They criticized “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture awakening every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my company shed. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside Recorded Calls of All Sessions GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Intend to alter product setups, web page designs, and total circulation? Great– you’ll require to search through 3 different areas that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Real Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, best?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Recorded Calls of All Sessions GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the latest “cutting edge” tool. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.