You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into one of one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more efficient ways to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), but still– I got tempted in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the great marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Bugs take place. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my business burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside What Is The Purpose of GoHighLevel.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in odd locations. Also easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Intend to alter item setups, page layouts, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt with 3 various locations that make no sensible sense. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application developed by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Is The Purpose of GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigative while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” tool. However just because everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly system to run your service, I’ve tested a number. Right here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.