You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It became one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more reliable means to expand your service. 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 happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your daily, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided extra features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my business melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Franchising.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange locations. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter product settings, web page layouts, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to quest via three various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software program built by designers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
Yet here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Franchising
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” device. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine unbiased testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.