You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However actually? It became one of one of the most excruciating software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used a lot more features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, everything looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called assistance. They criticized “server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved depend on, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Pests happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my business burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Electricians.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in weird areas. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to change product settings, web page formats, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to hunt with three different areas that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, right?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Electricians
The last straw? Enjoying my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I wish a person had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the latest “innovative” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect objective reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually checked a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.