You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I determined to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of the most unpleasant software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Bugs 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 company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Plai.io.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in weird places. Even straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to change item settings, page formats, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with three different areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want 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 actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Plai.io
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the current “advanced” tool. However just because everyone’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will save you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Select tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check honest reviews, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your service, I have actually examined a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task management, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.