You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into among one of the most painful software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more efficient means to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster pile of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered extra features, and all the great online marketers on the internet seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Imagine getting up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not pay for to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of system. Pests occur. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my service burned. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Social Planner.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in weird areas. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Wish to change item setups, page layouts, and overall flow? Great– you’ll require to quest with three different areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Social Planner
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– below’s what I wish a person had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the latest “advanced” tool. However just because every person’s discussing something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise costs are the most awful. Pick devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect honest testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real user experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.