You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I made a decision to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in reality? It developed into among one of the most unpleasant software choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with exactly what decreased– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for smarter, much more effective methods to grow your company. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream become a reality. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your everyday, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and occasionally points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), provided much more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, rebuilding workflows, and basically attempting to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel facilities
- Custom types, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m talking completely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 users at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to assistance. They criticized “web server issues.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just bothersome– it threatens. When your whole brand is improved trust, you can not manage to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That really did not take place here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my organization melted. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel WooCommerce Integration.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange areas. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Intend to transform item settings, page layouts, and general flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt via three different areas that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Costly, Actual Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds incredible, best?
Yet below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel WooCommerce Integration
The final straw? Watching my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I wish a person had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the current “cutting edge” device. Yet just because everyone’s discussing something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Select tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your business, I have actually tested a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized organizations with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
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, asking yourself whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.