You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became among the most excruciating software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more reliable means to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), provided extra features, and all the great marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even speak about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. However then, out of no place, people on my listing began getting emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days straight.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Think of waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on count on, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my business melted. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Data Entry.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in unusual places. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter product setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to quest through three various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
But here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
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 just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Data Entry
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I desire someone had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “revolutionary” device. However even if every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually examined a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also 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– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing setup. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.