You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective ways to grow your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered more features, and all the great marketers online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. But then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They blamed “server concerns.” However nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Visualize waking up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Insects take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel 90 Day Trial.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange places. Even straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Wish to alter product setups, page layouts, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt via 3 different locations that make absolutely no logical feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, appropriate?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel 90 Day Trial
The final straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I wish somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the most up to date “advanced” tool. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect honest evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve tested a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.