You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more reliable ways to expand your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained lured in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often things took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided much more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized kinds, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked alright. But then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can’t manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of platform. Insects occur. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my service melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel on iPad.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Also simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to transform product setups, web page designs, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll need to search via three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like utilizing software developed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, ideal?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel on iPad
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” tool. However just because everybody’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job administration, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.