You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It became among one of the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective methods to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the great marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
Initially, everything looked fine. However then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days straight.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They criticized “web server issues.” But nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Envision waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can’t afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any kind of platform. Pests take place. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel PeakEquity Partners.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in strange areas. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to transform item settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Great– you’ll need to search via 3 different areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, best?
However here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel PeakEquity Partners
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I wish somebody had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want 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 service, I’ve tested a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.