You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra effective ways to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the amazing online marketers on-line appeared to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and basically attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic settings were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at a time. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I contacted support. They condemned “web server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every early morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any system. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a minute I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before use a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Support.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange locations. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Intend to transform item settings, web page formats, and overall circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to search via 3 various locations that make zero rational feeling. Half the time, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better e-mail 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 results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Support
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Possibly the system was just sending at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of brand-new platform– here’s what I want someone had actually informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “cutting edge” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine objective testimonials, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, straightforward platform to run your business, I’ve checked a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
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, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.