You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I chose to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of the most painful software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more reliable methods to expand your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used extra features, and all the cool online marketers on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I called support. They condemned “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into the void while my organization burned. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside What Features Does GoHighLevel Have.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Wish to change product settings, web page layouts, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll need to quest through 3 various locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software built by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Features Does GoHighLevel Have
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– below’s what I wish a person had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped about the current “revolutionary” tool. But just because everybody’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
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of 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 trustworthy, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.