You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, only to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more effective ways to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, 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), used a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. But then, out of no place, people on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They blamed “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects happen. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my service burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, 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 … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Lead Generation.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Even basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to change item settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt through 3 different locations that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Lead Generation
The last straw? Watching my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I want somebody had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the most recent “cutting edge” tool. But just because everybody’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check impartial evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual customer 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 reputable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve checked a lot. Below are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.