You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I chose to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became among the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, a lot more reliable methods to expand your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, whatever looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t meant to get. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at a time. Three days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is built on trust, you can’t manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not happen right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a minute I had not been offering 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 tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Personal Injury Snapshot.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in weird locations. Also basic tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter item settings, page formats, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to search through three different areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software program built by engineers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, right?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Personal Injury Snapshot
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– below’s what I wish someone had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” device. However even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Check objective reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present arrangement. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.