You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, just to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among the most excruciating software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra efficient means to expand your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got enticed in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used much more features, and all the cool online marketers on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. But after that, out of no place, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days straight.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called assistance. They blamed “web server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Picture waking up every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Bugs occur. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my business melted. At the same time, every minute I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Real Estate Agents.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in odd places. Even straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to change item setups, web page layouts, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest via 3 different areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the time, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Real Estate Agents
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 simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– below’s what I wish a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the latest “cutting edge” device. But just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for little to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present configuration. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.