You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It developed into among the most painful software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, more efficient ways to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used much more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I invested fixing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside Carpet Cleaner GoHighLevel Snapshot.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in unusual areas. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Wish to alter product setups, page designs, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt via three various areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like using software application built by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, appropriate?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far 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 been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Carpet Cleaner GoHighLevel Snapshot
The final straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I want a person had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” tool. Yet just because everyone’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine honest reviews, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your business, I’ve examined a number. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.