You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet actually? It became among the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more efficient ways to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked all right. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Think of waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can’t pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my company melted. Meanwhile, every minute I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Travel Agents.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange locations. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to transform product settings, web page layouts, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to quest with 3 different areas that make no rational feeling. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, best?
Yet here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
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 greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Travel Agents
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want someone had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check honest evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your business, I’ve tested a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, expensive 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 yourself what’s really not operating in your existing setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.