You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more efficient methods to grow your service. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used much more features, and all the trendy online marketers online appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my business melted. Meanwhile, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Annual Plans.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in odd locations. Even simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to alter item setups, page layouts, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search through three various locations that make no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like using software program developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Annual Plans
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I want a person had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. But even if everybody’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed prices are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Inspect objective evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual individual 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 dependable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.