You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It became among the most painful software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more reliable methods to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
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 infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked all right. However after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested fixing was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside Can You Sell Products on GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange areas. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to alter product setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt with three various areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like using software program built by engineers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can You Sell Products on GoHighLevel
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– below’s what I desire somebody had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.