You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more effective means to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got lured in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
At first, everything looked fine. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking completely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I called assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my service shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Figma To GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd areas. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to change item setups, web page layouts, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt through three different locations that make zero sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
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 services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Figma To GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Check honest evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.