You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more reliable means to expand your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the amazing online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “server concerns.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can’t manage to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs occur. However when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Documents and Contracts.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to transform item settings, web page designs, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt with three different areas that make zero logical sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Documents and Contracts
The last straw? Seeing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the latest “innovative” device. However just because every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check objective evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your organization, I’ve checked a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.