You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. However actually? It became among the most agonizing software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective ways to expand your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), but still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and often things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), used extra features, and all the amazing marketers on the internet seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– 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. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked all right. However after that, out of no place, people on my list started getting emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t disappear. Picture getting up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can’t pay for to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my business shed. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Relationship Number.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual areas. Even straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Wish to alter product settings, page layouts, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software program built by engineers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, appropriate?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Relationship Number
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– right here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However just because everybody’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Select devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Check objective evaluations, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your business, I’ve examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.