You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to understand later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I made a decision to change my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most agonizing software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with precisely what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more efficient methods to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster stack of devices simply to run your day-to-day, you understand how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I obtained tempted in by the guarantee of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I just began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered extra features, and all the amazing marketing experts on-line seemed to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply money– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Customized types, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not also talk about the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
In the beginning, whatever looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list began obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 users at once. 3 days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still taken place. I spoke to support. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Visualize waking up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can’t manage to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any system. Pests happen. But when they do? I expect the support team to step up quick.
That didn’t take place here.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my service shed. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Can You Send Invoices with GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in odd places. Even easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Intend to transform product setups, web page designs, and total flow? Cool– you’ll require to hunt with 3 various areas that make no logical feeling. Half the time, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like using software constructed by engineers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the price. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, right?
However below’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Can You Send Invoices with GoHighLevel
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail 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 called in, and things just worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play detective while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Found Out by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– right here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped regarding the most recent “innovative” device. However just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Openness
Concealed expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial reviews, individual forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve tested a bunch. Right here are a couple of I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for companies that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for task management, team partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically fantastic for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thanks.