You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most painful software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, more efficient means to expand your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Picture getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my service shed. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside What Are The Disadvantages of GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Even straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to alter item setups, page layouts, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to quest with 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Are The Disadvantages of GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. But even if everybody’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect honest testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually checked a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.