You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to switch my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But actually? It turned into one of one of the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, more reliable ways to expand your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come to life. A solitary system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of devices simply to run your daily, you recognize exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for several years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little outdated in places, and in some cases things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used a lot more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and basically trying to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not even discuss the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked okay. However after that, out of nowhere, people on my list began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting completely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 users at once. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server concerns.” But nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t go away. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not occur below.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I invested troubleshooting was a minute I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel Trustworthy.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in strange areas. Even straightforward tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Intend to transform item setups, web page designs, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to hunt with 3 various areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not daily local business owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing points is the cost. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, ideal?
Yet below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel Trustworthy
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire someone had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. Yet even if every person’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden costs are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketers)
Examine honest evaluations, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual customer experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve tested a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized companies with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, group cooperation, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.