You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective methods to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained lured in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied extra features, and all the great marketing experts on the internet appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
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. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and generally attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made types, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “web server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Envision awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur below.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my business shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent repairing was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel SaaS Digimark London.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in odd locations. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to alter item settings, page formats, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search with 3 various locations that make no logical sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, best?
Yet 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 payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel SaaS Digimark London
The last straw? Watching my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new system– right here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” tool. Yet even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased evaluations, user forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much 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. Right here are a few I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project administration, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.