You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent concept, just to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among one of the most unpleasant software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, much more efficient ways to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, truthfully), however still– I got lured in by the guarantee of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed productivity during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. But then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of platform. Pests happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Rebilling.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Even easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to transform item setups, web page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest via 3 various areas that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I could not even remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application built by designers, for designers– not everyday business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, right?
Yet right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Rebilling
The final straw? Viewing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped concerning the current “cutting edge” tool. But just because everyone’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketers)
Examine unbiased testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your existing configuration. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.