You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful idea, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I determined to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. But in truth? It developed into one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my company.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more reliable methods to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), however still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad case of shiny object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Truthfully, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used much more features, and all the great online marketers on the internet appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity price me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … every little thing
Allow’s not also speak about the lost productivity during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
At first, whatever looked alright. However then, out of no place, individuals on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m speaking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called assistance. They condemned “server issues.” However nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Think of waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is built on depend on, you can’t afford to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Bugs occur. However when they do? I expect the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t take place below.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside Can I Connect PayPal To GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Also basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. Intend to transform item setups, web page designs, and overall circulation? Great– you’ll require to quest through three different locations that make no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software built by designers, for designers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears remarkable, ideal?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per email if you use their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can I Connect PayPal To GoHighLevel
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigative while my checklist deteriorated.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the most recent “advanced” tool. However just because everybody’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Individuals (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Examine honest reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual customer experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve evaluated a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project management, group cooperation, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your present configuration. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.