You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of one of the most painful software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra effective ways to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the cool marketing experts on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked all right. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. Three days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called support. They condemned “web server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Imagine awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my service burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside What Type of Company Is GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Want to transform item settings, web page formats, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll need to quest through 3 different locations that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Real Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked What Type of Company Is GoHighLevel
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I wish someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” device. But just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check honest reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your service, I’ve examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit 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 yourself what’s actually not working in your present setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.