You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more effective methods to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided more features, and all the awesome marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called assistance. They criticized “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Form Builder.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual areas. Also simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to alter product settings, page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to search with three different locations that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Real Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, right?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Form Builder
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps 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 staying to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the current “advanced” device. However even if everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not just 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, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve tested a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project administration, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.