You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I determined to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became one of the most painful software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked okay. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on trust fund, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any platform. Insects take place. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not occur below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside Why Choose GoHighLevel For Your Business.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange areas. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Want to transform product setups, page formats, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll need to hunt via three different areas that make no rational sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, right?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Why Choose GoHighLevel For Your Business
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most recent “cutting edge” device. However even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually checked a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
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 solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.