You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into one of the most agonizing software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more efficient methods to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream 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 managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
At first, everything looked okay. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Cancellation and Reschedule Policy.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to alter item settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Amazing– you’ll require to search with 3 various areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire 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 been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Cancellation and Reschedule Policy
The last straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the current “innovative” tool. However just because everybody’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Hidden prices are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve checked a lot. Here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.