You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It became among one of the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra reliable ways to grow your company. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not also talk about the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Visualize waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into the void while my company shed. At the same time, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Car Dealerships.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange locations. Also straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to alter item setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search through 3 various areas that make zero logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, best?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Car Dealerships
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– here’s what I wish someone had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the current “revolutionary” tool. But even if everybody’s talking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick tools 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 Genuine Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check objective testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually checked a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task administration, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.