You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of one of the most painful software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, extra reliable means to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They blamed “web server problems.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved count on, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my service burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Pause Subscription.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual areas. Also simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to change product setups, page designs, and overall flow? Amazing– you’ll need to hunt via three different areas that make zero sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more 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 Pause Subscription
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– below’s what I desire a person had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased reviews, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real individual experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, costly 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 really not operating in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.