You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I determined to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into one of one of the most agonizing software choices I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, a lot more reliable ways to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your everyday, you recognize exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), used more features, and all the great marketing experts on-line appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked okay. But then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I called support. They blamed “server concerns.” However nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t disappear. Imagine waking up every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can’t manage to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any platform. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into the void while my business melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Unlimited Sub Accounts.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Also straightforward jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to change product settings, page formats, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three various locations that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It felt like using software application built by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
However here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Unlimited Sub Accounts
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “innovative” tool. But even if every person’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A system with a tidy, instinctive user interface will conserve you time and frustrations over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the most awful. Select devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect honest testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your organization, I have actually tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.