You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to change my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into one of one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more reliable methods to expand your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your everyday, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I just started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided more features, and all the cool marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy about it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Personalized forms, landing pages, activates … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell standard settings were.
And simply when I believed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
At first, every little thing looked alright. However after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist started getting emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting totally irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 individuals at once. Three days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I contacted support. They blamed “server issues.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Picture awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I don’t expect perfection from any type of platform. Insects happen. But when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quickly.
That really did not occur below.
Actions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my business burned. On the other hand, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before make use of a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside When Did GoHighLevel Come Out.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were hidden in weird areas. Even simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. Intend to change product setups, page formats, and general circulation? Great– you’ll need to quest via three various locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, ideal?
However here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked When Did GoHighLevel Come Out
The last straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new system– right here’s what I wish someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped regarding the latest “innovative” tool. Yet just because everyone’s speaking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A platform with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check objective evaluations, individual discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual individual experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually examined a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong support, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your present configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thank you.