You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent idea, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into among the most excruciating software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, more reliable means to expand your organization. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire become a reality. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Monster stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained lured in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally points took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied extra features, and all the awesome online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made kinds, landing pages, activates … everything
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m talking entirely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I contacted assistance. They blamed “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Picture waking up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not expect excellence from any kind of platform. Insects happen. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company shed. Meanwhile, every min I invested fixing was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside How To Upgrade To The GoHighLevel Unlimited Plan.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in unusual places. Also easy tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to change product settings, web page designs, and general circulation? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via three various areas that make no logical feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge marketing factors is the price. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, right?
However here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Upgrade To The GoHighLevel Unlimited Plan
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new system– right here’s what I want someone had informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “innovative” device. However even if every person’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly save you time and migraines over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed prices are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Pay Attention to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, user-friendly platform to run your company, I’ve examined a lot. Here are a couple of I ‘d really advise:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid reporting tools.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.