You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of one of the most excruciating software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your organization. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest cost me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m speaking totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. Three days straight.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not go away. Imagine awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved depend on, you can not pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the wrong emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my service melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Single Sign On (SSO).
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual areas. Also straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Wish to transform item settings, web page layouts, and total circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to quest via 3 various locations that make zero logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, appropriate?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Single Sign On (SSO)
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at bad times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t lingering to play detective while my list rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– here’s what I want a person had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “cutting edge” device. However even if everyone’s talking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Check honest reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user 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 reputable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, expensive 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 on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.