You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It became among one of the most agonizing software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more efficient methods to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied much more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest cost me more than just 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. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked okay. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They blamed “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my business burned. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside What Is The Best Browser For GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to alter item settings, web page designs, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll require to quest through 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Is The Best Browser For GoHighLevel
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I wish a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check objective testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not simply glossy 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 dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve evaluated a number. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.