You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I decided to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, more effective methods to grow your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), provided a lot more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, whatever looked all right. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of system. Insects take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my service melted. At the same time, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Legal Firms.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange areas. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Want to change item settings, page layouts, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt through 3 various areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Real Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Legal Firms
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I want a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Choose tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine unbiased reviews, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual user experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your organization, I have actually tested a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.