You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I made a decision to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, much more reliable ways to grow your service. Just … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a dream become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever handled a Frankenstein pile of tools just to run your day-to-day, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained tempted in by the pledge of simplifying whatever under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), supplied more features, and all the great online marketers online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest price me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and generally trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, causes … everything
Let’s not even speak about the shed efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to determine where the heck standard settings were.
And simply when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my listing began getting emails they weren’t expected to obtain. I’m chatting totally pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days in a row.
Overall disorder.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called assistance. They criticized “server issues.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble 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 name is improved trust fund, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into deep space while my business burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering clients or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Cleaning Businesses.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in unusual areas. Also simple jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. Intend to change product setups, web page formats, and total circulation? Amazing– you’ll require to search through three different areas that make no sensible sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds earlier.
It seemed like using software program built by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Actual Expensive, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk money.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Cleaning Businesses
The last straw? Seeing my e-mail open prices 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 just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at bad times or not customizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I wasn’t staying to play detective while my list decayed.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any brand-new platform– here’s what I wish someone had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped about the most recent “advanced” 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. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise expenses are the most awful. Select tools that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check impartial testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to real customer experience– not just slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your business, I have actually tested a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job monitoring, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.