You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, a lot more reliable means to grow your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even talk about the lost productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called assistance. They blamed “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Think of awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any type of system. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That really did not happen right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Missed Call Text Back.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in strange locations. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to change product settings, page designs, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to quest through 3 various areas that make zero logical feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, ideal?
Yet right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better email 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 actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Missed Call Text Back
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– below’s what I want someone had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped about the latest “cutting edge” tool. Yet even if every person’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, user forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually checked a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really 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 sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.