You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific idea, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in reality? It developed into one of the most agonizing software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, a lot more efficient ways to grow your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not even speak about the lost performance during those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell standard setups were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked okay. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist started obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to get. I’m chatting entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They blamed “web server issues.” Yet absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust, you can’t afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my company melted. Meanwhile, every min I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t serving customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel a Pyramid Scheme.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in unusual places. Also simple tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Wish to change item setups, page designs, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to quest via 3 various locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the moment, I could not also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software program built by engineers, for engineers– not daily business owners.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Obtained Real Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel a Pyramid Scheme
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– right here’s what I wish someone had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped regarding the most up to date “advanced” tool. But even if everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the worst. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your service, I’ve examined a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one service for small to mid-sized services with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for project management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may help some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.