You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more effective means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right 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, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied extra features, and all the awesome marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not also discuss the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at once. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Bugs happen. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my organization burned. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my firm.
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 make use of a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Karan Agarwal.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange areas. Even easy jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to transform product setups, page designs, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make zero logical feeling. Half the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
However right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Karan Agarwal
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” device. Yet just because everyone’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, user forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.