You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into among one of the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, more reliable means to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your daily, you understand how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided extra features, and all the amazing online marketers on the internet appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked alright. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They blamed “server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Think of getting up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can not afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of system. Bugs happen. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my company melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Lead Forms.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in weird areas. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Wish to transform product settings, web page formats, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to quest with three various areas that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
But here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire 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 been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Lead Forms
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “innovative” device. However just because everybody’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect honest testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually examined a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Do not shed your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.