You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to recognize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It developed into one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra efficient ways to grow your company. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), provided a lot more features, and all the amazing online marketers online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my entire Keap arrangement 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 framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers at once. Three days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server concerns.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can not pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate excellence from any platform. Pests occur. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That didn’t take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my company melted. On the other hand, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Survey Builder.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in unusual areas. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Intend to transform product settings, web page designs, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search via 3 different locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
However 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 invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Survey Builder
The final straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– below’s what I wish someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “revolutionary” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Individuals (Not Just Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward platform to run your service, I’ve checked a number. Here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.