You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I determined to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more efficient means to expand your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That curiosity expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked okay. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to support. They blamed “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Imagine awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can’t manage to resemble an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of system. Bugs happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my service burned. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Pro Plan.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in weird places. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Want to transform item setups, web page designs, and general flow? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by engineers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Pro Plan
The final straw? Watching my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the current “innovative” device. Yet even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Pick tools that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check impartial evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.