You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, just to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more effective means to grow your organization. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered much more features, and all the cool marketing experts online seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That curiosity cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. Three days in a row.
Total chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “server problems.” But nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Picture waking up every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any kind of system. Pests take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen below.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Surveys.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in odd areas. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Want to change product settings, web page layouts, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to search with three various areas that make zero logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like utilizing software constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day business owners.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, best?
Yet here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire 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 becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Surveys
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or otherwise personalizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I desire a person had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped regarding the current “revolutionary” device. However even if everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Hidden prices are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly expense.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect honest testimonials, user forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use platform to run your business, I have actually examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present setup. Don’t shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.