You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I decided to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into one of one of the most unpleasant software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my service.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, extra efficient ways to expand your company. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied extra features, and all the great marketing professionals on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity price me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Allow’s not also talk about the shed performance during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Slipping In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking completely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Complete turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They blamed “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Imagine awakening every early morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on trust, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any type of platform. Insects occur. But when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur here.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my business melted. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside How To Host Clients Website with GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in strange places. Also simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Wish to transform item settings, page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll need to hunt with 3 different areas that make absolutely no logical feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software application developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment separately.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Host Clients Website with GoHighLevel
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t sticking around to play detective while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I wish a person had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the current “cutting edge” device. However even if everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Check impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your organization, I have actually examined a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid coverage tools.
Monday.com— Great for project monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your present setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thanks.