You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among one of the most painful software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), used more features, and all the cool marketing experts online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Envision getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Insects take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Incoming Calls.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd places. Also easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to change product settings, web page designs, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll need to search with three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software application built by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, best?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Incoming Calls
The last straw? Viewing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “innovative” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the worst. Choose tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized companies with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.