You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), supplied a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers on the internet seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking completely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Bugs happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not occur below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my business shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious 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 … lost? That was me inside Who Is The CEO or Co-Founder of GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Even easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Want to transform item setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to hunt through three various areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Real Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Who Is The CEO or Co-Founder of GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped about the current “cutting edge” tool. Yet even if everybody’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your organization, I have actually tested a lot. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.