You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But actually? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, extra efficient ways to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I obtained drawn in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered much more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
At first, everything looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Complete mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Envision getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Small Businesses.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird places. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to transform item settings, page layouts, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt through three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program constructed by designers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Real Rapid
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, best?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Small Businesses
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– here’s what I want a person had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check objective evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your organization, I have actually evaluated a lot. Below are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.