You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into one of the most agonizing software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more reliable means to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied more features, and all the great marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They blamed “server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Imagine getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Bugs occur. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my company shed. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Google Sheets.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual locations. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Want to transform product setups, web page formats, and general flow? Cool– you’ll require to search via three various locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, appropriate?
But here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Google Sheets
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “revolutionary” device. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Check honest evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve tested a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. 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 strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.