You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into one of one of the most uncomfortable software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more efficient methods to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the trendy online marketers online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Expense Me to Change
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 attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not even discuss the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
In the beginning, everything looked okay. However then, out of no place, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days straight.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They blamed “server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the issue really did not vanish. Imagine waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust, you can not manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any platform. Bugs take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up fast.
That didn’t take place here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my organization shed. At the same time, 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 serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Spotlight Sessions.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange locations. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Wish to change item setups, page designs, and total circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via 3 different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like using software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary 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 everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Spotlight Sessions
The final straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list rotted.
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. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Examine impartial reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on real user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want 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 company, I’ve examined a number. Here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an aggravating, 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 yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.