You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more reliable means to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
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, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and often points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the amazing marketers online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked okay. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted support. They condemned “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision waking up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my business burned. Meanwhile, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Community.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Intend to change product setups, web page layouts, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make zero sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, best?
But here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Community
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I wish somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “innovative” device. Yet just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Inspect objective reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve tested a number. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.