You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It became one of the most unpleasant software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), provided much more features, and all the great online marketers online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m chatting totally irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Total chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I called support. They criticized “server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Think of awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any kind of system. Pests take place. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Email Verification.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in strange places. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Want to transform product setups, page layouts, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search with three different areas that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better email 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 results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Email Verification
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– right here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” device. But even if everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually checked a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.