You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more efficient ways to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the awesome online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not even speak about the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They blamed “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not occur right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Selling GoHighLevel SaaS.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd locations. Also easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Want to alter product settings, web page layouts, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to quest with 3 different locations that make no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Selling GoHighLevel SaaS
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my list decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I desire someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the current “innovative” device. Yet just because everybody’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your service, I’ve checked a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.