You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became among the most excruciating software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective ways to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got lured in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), provided extra features, and all the cool marketers on the internet appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I called assistance. They blamed “web server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Imagine awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my business shed. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Can You Make a Website with GoHighLevel.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird places. Also simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Wish to alter item setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to search through 3 different areas that make zero logical sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like using software application built by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
However here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can You Make a Website with GoHighLevel
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– right here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the most recent “innovative” tool. But just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect impartial evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your present configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.