You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of the most excruciating software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more effective methods to expand your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked okay. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “server issues.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my company melted. At the same time, every min I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Academy.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual places. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Intend to change item settings, page layouts, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll require to quest via three different locations that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program developed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want 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 mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Academy
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the latest “advanced” device. But just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a number. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job management, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current setup. Do not melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.