You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It became among the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more reliable ways to grow your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the amazing marketing experts on-line seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Bugs occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my organization melted. At the same time, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Digital Agency.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange places. Even straightforward tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Want to change product settings, page layouts, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest through three different areas that make zero logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application developed by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Digital Agency
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “advanced” tool. But just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect objective evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for task administration, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your current setup. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.