You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software program choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, extra reliable means to expand your company. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I got drawn in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and in some cases things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and primarily attempting to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Customized forms, landing pages, activates … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I called assistance. They condemned “server problems.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Envision waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any system. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not happen right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into deep space while my company shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside How Do You Get Paid on GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in strange areas. Also easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to alter item setups, page formats, and overall flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through three different locations that make zero rational sense. Half the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like using software program built by designers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Sounds amazing, appropriate?
Yet here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Do You Get Paid on GoHighLevel
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I wish someone had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to obtain hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. But just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Covert costs are the most awful. Choose tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check objective testimonials, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve examined a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized organizations with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.