You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, just to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of one of the most painful software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used extra features, and all the awesome marketing experts on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not also discuss the lost productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Imagine getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my service shed. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Bonuses.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in weird locations. Also easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to change item settings, web page formats, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt via three various areas that make no rational sense. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program built by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far 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 worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Bonuses
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I want somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual individual experience– not simply 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, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.