You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra reliable ways to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got lured in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really 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. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided extra features, and all the trendy marketers on the internet seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” However nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Think of waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any system. Pests happen. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my business burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Snapshot Marketplace.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd locations. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to alter product setups, page formats, and general flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt via three different areas that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Fast
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, ideal?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Snapshot Marketplace
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “advanced” tool. But just because everyone’s talking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect unbiased evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually checked a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.