You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It became among the most uncomfortable software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more efficient means to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used a lot more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
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 information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, everything looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t occur below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my business shed. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside What Are The Charges For GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to alter item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Cool– you’ll need to search with three different locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, right?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Are The Charges For GoHighLevel
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I wish somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. However just because everyone’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check impartial reviews, user forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your service, I have actually examined a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.