You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more reliable means to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Complete disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Envision waking up every early 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 not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Agency Pro.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in weird locations. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Wish to alter item settings, page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search through three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, best?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Agency Pro
The last 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 engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the current “cutting edge” device. But even if every person’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive 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 yourself what’s actually not working in your existing arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.