You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into among one of the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra efficient means to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used more features, and all the great marketing experts online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Bugs occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Does GoHighLevel Have An API.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in odd areas. Even straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to transform item settings, web page layouts, and overall circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through three different locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Does GoHighLevel Have An API
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” device. Yet just because every person’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, 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 really not working in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.