You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered extra features, and all the great marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
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 data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not also speak about the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “server issues.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of system. Bugs happen. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my business burned. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Chiropractor Playbook.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual places. Also simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to alter item settings, page designs, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest with three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, right?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail 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 getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Chiropractor Playbook
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “advanced” tool. But even if everyone’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually tested a number. Right here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.