You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, more effective means to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used extra features, and all the trendy marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Picture waking up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved depend on, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Pests take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t serving 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 device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Promotion.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in unusual locations. Also simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to change item setups, page designs, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll require to quest through three various locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software developed by engineers, for designers– not daily business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, right?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Promotion
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– right here’s what I want somebody had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the latest “cutting edge” tool. But just because 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 Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased evaluations, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your company, I’ve checked a number. Here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.