You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, only to realize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more efficient means to expand your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), used more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity price me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from square one. Still taken place. I called support. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Visualize getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can not afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up quick.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel SaaS Pro Plan.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in strange locations. Even basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to change product settings, page designs, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to hunt through three various locations that make zero rational feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software application built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, best?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel SaaS Pro Plan
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– below’s what I desire someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped regarding the most up to date “innovative” tool. But just because everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine objective reviews, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually evaluated a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for project management, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.