You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more efficient means to grow your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually 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, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked alright. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They criticized “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Picture getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects happen. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Automative Businesses.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in weird places. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to change item setups, web page formats, and general flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with 3 various locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, right?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Automative Businesses
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my list rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new system– right here’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed prices are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also 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 jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.