You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of the most unpleasant software decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through exactly what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective means to expand your service. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster pile of devices just to run your everyday, you understand just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for several years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and in some cases points took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I just began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also discuss the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, every little thing looked alright. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate excellence from any system. Insects take place. However when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my company melted. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel V2 API.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in unusual locations. Also easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. Intend to change item setups, web page formats, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll need to search through 3 various areas that make no logical sense. Fifty percent the time, I could not even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software application developed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, appropriate?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel V2 API
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the current “cutting edge” device. But even if everybody’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the most awful. Choose tools that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check honest evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your organization, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for project management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might help some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your current setup. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.