You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more reliable means to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They blamed “server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company burned. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Demo Request.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird locations. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Want to change product setups, page formats, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll need to quest with three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, best?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Demo Request
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I desire a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “cutting edge” tool. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve tested a number. Right here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, pricey 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 really not operating in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.