You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, just to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more efficient methods to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), but still– I got drawn in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the trendy online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not even speak about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They criticized “server problems.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t happen below.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my service shed. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Lawyers.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in unusual locations. Also straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to change item setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt via three different areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software program developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Lawyers
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play detective while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I want somebody had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine objective testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.