You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became among the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more reliable means to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), but still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the amazing marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Imagine getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any platform. Bugs take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not happen below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my service melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside Does GoHighLevel Have Free Trials.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Even simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Intend to transform item settings, page designs, and total circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest via three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, right?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Does GoHighLevel Have Free Trials
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– right here’s what I wish someone had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “cutting edge” tool. Yet just because every person’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront about 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 Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.