You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your service. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), supplied a lot more features, and all the great online marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Sales Teams.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in odd areas. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to change product settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program built by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Real Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, right?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment 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 every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Sales Teams
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I want somebody had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” device. Yet even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and headaches in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed costs are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect unbiased reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.