You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra effective means to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. Three days straight.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Can You Build Websites with GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in odd areas. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to alter item settings, web page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest through 3 different areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
But below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can You Build Websites with GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I desire somebody had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” tool. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a number. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.