You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It became among the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, a lot more effective methods to grow your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
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, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used more features, and all the awesome marketers on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not also discuss the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Envision awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can’t pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my organization burned. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers 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 before utilize a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Signature.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Intend to transform item settings, page layouts, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt with three various areas that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Signature
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Hidden expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Check objective reviews, user forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your organization, I have actually checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.