You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into among one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more reliable means to grow your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided a lot more features, and all the great marketing professionals online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the shed productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. But after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking totally unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called assistance. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Think of getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved trust fund, you can not manage to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect perfection from any kind of system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not occur here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my service melted. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Funnel AI.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in odd areas. Also simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. Want to transform product setups, web page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt through 3 various locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software application built by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems remarkable, appropriate?
But below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Funnel AI
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire someone had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the current “advanced” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.