You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, only to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of one of the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more effective methods to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used more features, and all the great marketers online appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began getting emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not vanish. Visualize awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my organization shed. Meanwhile, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Scan Your Business.
The UX was confusing. Things were buried in unusual places. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to change item setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via 3 various areas that make zero logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like using software built by engineers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Scan Your Business
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– here’s what I want a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the current “innovative” tool. Yet just because every person’s talking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, instinctive interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden costs are the worst. Choose devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to actual user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually checked a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.