You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, only to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I chose to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of the most uncomfortable software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what dropped– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more effective ways to expand your service. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream happened. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of devices simply to run your daily, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of simplifying whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little outdated in position, and sometimes points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used a lot more features, and all the awesome online marketers on the internet appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not also talk about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked okay. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever utilize a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside How Long Has GoHighLevel Been Around.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual places. Even easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Want to change item setups, page layouts, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt through three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How Long Has GoHighLevel Been Around
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I wish a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will conserve you time and migraines in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert expenses are the most awful. Choose devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Inspect objective evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real user experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your organization, I’ve tested a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an irritating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering 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 showed up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.