You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, only to recognize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, a lot more reliable ways to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you understand just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the awesome marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m talking completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” However nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any system. Insects occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not take place right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my company shed. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Regulatory Bundle.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in strange locations. Even easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Intend to alter item setups, web page formats, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll require to quest via 3 various areas that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software program developed by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, appropriate?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Regulatory Bundle
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t staying to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “advanced” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Examine honest reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually tested a number. Right here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.