You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into among the most painful software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more efficient means to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your daily, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used much more features, and all the great marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Background.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual areas. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Want to transform item setups, web page layouts, and total flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three different locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, right?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Background
The last straw? Watching my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I want someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “revolutionary” tool. But even if everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect objective evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.