You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became among the most excruciating software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra efficient ways to expand your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases things took a few more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), supplied a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Allow’s not also speak about the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, whatever looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began getting emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. Three days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Bugs take place. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel HIPAA Cost.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual locations. Also easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to change product settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt with three different locations that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, right?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel HIPAA Cost
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. But just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine honest evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized services with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.