You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It developed into among the most painful software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more efficient means to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck 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 handled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. But after that, out of no place, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Envision getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my company burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside Can You Make Money with GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to transform item settings, page formats, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search through three different locations that make no logical sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application built by engineers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can You Make Money with GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “advanced” device. Yet just because everybody’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.