You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, more effective ways to expand your company. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I obtained enticed in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used much more features, and all the cool marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking completely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Envision waking up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my organization shed. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside Top GoHighLevel Affiliates.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in odd places. Also easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Wish to transform item settings, page layouts, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through three various locations that make zero sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Actual Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, appropriate?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better email 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 worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Top GoHighLevel Affiliates
The last straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I want a person had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” tool. However even if every person’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project administration, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.