You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a great concept, just to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, extra efficient methods to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Promise
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Monster pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), but still– I got tempted in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (on the surface), offered more features, and all the cool online marketers on-line seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours moving information, reconstructing workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even talk about the shed efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to determine where the heck basic setups were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked fine. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Total mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I called support. They criticized “server concerns.” Yet nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not disappear. Picture getting up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on trust fund, you can not manage to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong people.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Reactions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my business burned. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my agency.
For a device that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel API Documentation.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd areas. Also easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Wish to transform item setups, web page layouts, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via three various areas that make no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It seemed like using software developed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Economical” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Appears fantastic, appropriate?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel API Documentation
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was simply sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I desire somebody had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the current “innovative” tool. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not imply it’s right for you. If your present system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a clean, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines over time– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert prices are the worst. Pick tools that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Examine impartial reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real user experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve examined a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it simply functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for little to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for project management, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your present setup. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.