You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of the most painful software 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 with specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra effective means to grow your business. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), used much more features, and all the awesome marketing experts online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell fundamental setups were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” However nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Picture getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any platform. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my service burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Knowledge Base.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in weird places. Also simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to transform product settings, page designs, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt with three various areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application developed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, right?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Knowledge Base
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” tool. Yet even if everybody’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your organization, I have actually examined a number. Here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job administration, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.