You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, just to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It turned into among one of the most painful software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra efficient means to grow your company. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a few more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), used much more features, and all the great marketing experts on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity price me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Change
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Allow’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. Three days straight.
Total chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called support. They criticized “web server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Envision getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t occur here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my company burned. 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 significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel SaaSPRENEUR Workshop.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in strange places. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Intend to alter product setups, web page layouts, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt with 3 different areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like making use of software built by designers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, right?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better email 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 worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel SaaSPRENEUR Workshop
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– below’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “advanced” tool. But just because everyone’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise prices are the worst. Pick tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine objective testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real customer experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, user-friendly platform to run your service, I’ve checked a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thanks.