You know that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s an excellent idea, just to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my company.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, extra effective methods to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come true. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I got tempted in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied more features, and all the amazing marketers on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
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 data, reconstructing workflows, and generally trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email clients
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom-made types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked alright. But then, out of no place, people on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to get. I’m talking totally unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Picture awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can’t afford to appear like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my business burned. At the same time, every minute I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside Is There a Free Version of GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were buried in unusual areas. Also basic jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. Wish to alter item setups, page formats, and general circulation? Trendy– you’ll need to search through 3 different locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program constructed by designers, for designers– not day-to-day local business owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears amazing, appropriate?
However right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described clearly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is There a Free Version of GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my email open prices drop 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 just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigative while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– right here’s what I want somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most up to date “innovative” tool. Yet even if everyone’s discussing something does not imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and headaches over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert costs are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Real Users (Not Just Online Marketers)
Examine unbiased evaluations, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward system to run your service, I’ve examined a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project administration, group partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick with what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will thanks.