You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It became among one of the most unpleasant software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra effective ways to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered a lot more features, and all the cool marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on trust, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Bugs take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Coaching Snapshot.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange places. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Wish to alter product setups, page formats, and general flow? Great– you’ll require to quest through three various locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like using software constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, right?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Coaching Snapshot
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 points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I desire someone had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. But even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve evaluated a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.