You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into one of the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra effective methods to grow your company. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, everything looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my service burned. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside Does GoHighLevel Use WordPress.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to transform product settings, web page designs, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll require to quest via 3 different areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software built by engineers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Does GoHighLevel Use WordPress
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” tool. But even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Hidden costs are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect objective reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your business, I have actually examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized services with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present configuration. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.