You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more reliable methods to expand your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained enticed in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied more features, and all the cool online marketers online appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all 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 setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not even speak about the lost efficiency throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting totally unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. Three days straight.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They condemned “server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Envision awakening every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is improved count on, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Insects occur. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my company burned. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Solar Snapshot.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in odd locations. Even straightforward jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Intend to change product settings, web page formats, and total flow? Trendy– you’ll need to search through 3 various locations that make zero sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like using software program developed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, appropriate?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Solar Snapshot
The final straw? Seeing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I wish a person had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the latest “cutting edge” tool. But even if every person’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketers)
Inspect impartial evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your service, I’ve tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for job monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.