You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I decided to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among one of the most unpleasant software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective methods to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided more features, and all the trendy online marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Think of awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Insects take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Conversations.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd areas. Even easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Wish to alter item settings, page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to search via three different areas that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, appropriate?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Conversations
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “advanced” tool. Yet even if everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Select tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect impartial evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.