You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, only to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among the most unpleasant software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your company. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained lured in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the awesome marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. But after that, out of no place, people on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called support. They condemned “server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Visualize waking up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any system. Pests happen. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my business melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Travel Agency.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to change product settings, page layouts, and general flow? Great– you’ll require to quest with three different areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, best?
Yet here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Travel Agency
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I desire someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. But even if every person’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check objective testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your business, I have actually checked a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.