You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a great idea, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I chose to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of one of the most uncomfortable software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra efficient methods to expand your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Monster stack of tools just to run your daily, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That interest price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and basically attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, sets off … whatever
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, everything looked fine. But then, out of no place, people on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t expected to get. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to support. They condemned “server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can’t manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Pests happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my service burned. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Workflow AI Assistant.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in weird places. Also basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Wish to change item setups, web page designs, and general circulation? Great– you’ll require to search through three different locations that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like making use of software application built by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, ideal?
But right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Workflow AI Assistant
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I want a person had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. However even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Examine objective testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually evaluated a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your existing configuration. Don’t melt your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.