You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into among the most agonizing software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, a lot more effective methods to expand your business. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your daily, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got enticed in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also discuss the lost efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from square one. Still taken place. I called support. They blamed “server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Envision waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Insects happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my business melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Deliverability.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in weird areas. Even basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to change product setups, page layouts, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest via three various areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, right?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Deliverability
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I desire someone had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. However even if everyone’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use platform to run your service, I have actually examined a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.