You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of one of the most painful software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how tempting 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 guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), provided much more features, and all the great marketing experts online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They criticized “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool 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 Favicon.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in strange places. Even easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Wish to alter product settings, page designs, and general flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via 3 different locations that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Favicon
The last straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I desire someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the latest “advanced” device. But just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Select devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve checked a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thank you.