You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great concept, only to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It turned into one of one of the most unpleasant software program choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, much more effective means to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad instance of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), supplied a lot more features, and all the amazing marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity cost me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard settings were.
And just when I believed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
Initially, everything looked fine. However after that, out of no place, people on my listing began getting e-mails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 individuals each time. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called assistance. They criticized “server issues.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Picture awakening every early morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply bothersome– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust, you can’t afford to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any system. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur right here.
Feedbacks were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a device and just really feel … shed? That was me inside Pabbly GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in weird locations. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to transform product settings, web page designs, and overall circulation? Trendy– you’ll require to hunt with three different areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds earlier.
It seemed like making use of software built by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Obtained Actual Pricey, Real Rapid
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears outstanding, appropriate?
Yet below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Pabbly GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” tool. Yet just because every person’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Covert expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect objective reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward platform to run your business, I have actually tested a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for companies that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task management, group partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.