You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic concept, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I chose to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet actually? It became among one of the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a decade 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 always looking for smarter, extra reliable methods to grow your service. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, payments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your day-to-day, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the assurance of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did everything I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and in some cases points took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, but hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just started asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used extra features, and all the awesome marketing experts online seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally attempting to replicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized forms, landing pages, sets off … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I assumed things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of nowhere, people on my listing began obtaining emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting completely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete mayhem.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with assistance. They criticized “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Visualize waking up every morning wondering who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your whole brand is built on depend on, you can’t pay for to resemble a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Insects happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen right here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my organization shed. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been serving customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Facebook Integration.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were buried in strange areas. Also straightforward tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. Want to change product setups, web page designs, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest via 3 various locations that make no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also remember where I would certainly clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like making use of software program constructed by designers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s speak money.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, appropriate?
But right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Want much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Facebook Integration
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– below’s what I wish a person had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “cutting edge” device. Yet just because every person’s talking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the most awful. Select tools that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of actual individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use system to run your business, I’ve checked a lot. Right here are a few I ‘d actually recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it just functions. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your existing setup. Don’t burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.