You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of one of the most excruciating software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more effective ways to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), yet still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied much more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. But after that, out of no place, people on my checklist started getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They blamed “server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine awakening every early morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand is improved trust fund, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of system. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Quizzes.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Also straightforward jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Wish to alter item setups, page designs, and general circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to hunt with three various areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs earlier.
It seemed like using software program built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s chat cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, right?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Quizzes
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new system– here’s what I desire somebody had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. However just because every person’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the worst. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Inspect impartial evaluations, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward platform to run your business, I’ve checked a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task administration, team collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, 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 operating in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.