You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It became one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more effective means to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Monster stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied much more features, and all the cool marketers online seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not go away. Think of getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my business burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Google Ads.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in weird locations. Also simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to change item setups, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt through 3 various areas that make zero rational feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like using software program constructed by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Google Ads
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– right here’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the current “advanced” tool. However just because everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your business, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.