You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It became among one of the most excruciating software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used much more features, and all the great marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity price me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Think of awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my service burned. At the same time, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Gravity Forms.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Intend to change product setups, web page formats, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest via three various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software built by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Gravity Forms
The last straw? Enjoying my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I desire someone had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the latest “innovative” tool. However just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect objective reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your organization, I have actually checked a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may 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, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.