You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into among one of the most painful software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, more reliable means to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the assurance of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered more features, and all the awesome online marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking completely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Picture awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Nameservers.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in odd areas. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to change product settings, page layouts, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt through three different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, appropriate?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Nameservers
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the latest “advanced” tool. However even if every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for job management, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.