You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific idea, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It developed into one of one of the most excruciating software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective ways to grow your business. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases points took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used much more features, and all the great marketing professionals on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Total chaos.
I restore the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called assistance. They criticized “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Nested Folders.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange areas. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Intend to change product settings, web page formats, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through three different areas that make no rational feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, ideal?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Nested Folders
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– here’s what I wish a person had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “innovative” device. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed costs are the worst. Choose devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your service, I’ve examined a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.