You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s an excellent concept, just to realize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became among the most painful software decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with precisely what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more reliable methods to grow your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you call it.
If you have actually ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of tools just to run your daily, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got tempted in by the pledge of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative situation of shiny things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Functioned)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in position, and often things took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply started questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was cheaper (externally), supplied more features, and all the great online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That interest cost me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel facilities
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also speak about the lost performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to determine where the hell standard setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of no place, individuals on my listing began obtaining e-mails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m speaking completely unnecessary messages– sent in batches of 171 customers each time. Three days straight.
Overall disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I spoke to support. They blamed “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Picture awakening every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just bothersome– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved trust fund, you can not afford to look like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect emails to the wrong individuals.
Support? Yeah, All The Best
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into deep space while my service burned. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever before utilize a tool and just feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel For Solar Companies.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Also easy tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Intend to alter item settings, web page formats, and total flow? Great– you’ll require to search with three various locations that make no logical sense. Half the moment, I could not also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software application constructed by designers, for engineers– not daily local business owner.
The “Affordable” Plan That Got Genuine Costly, Real Fast
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems amazing, best?
However below’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t described plainly.
Desire better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel For Solar Companies
The last straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was simply sending at bad times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my list rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any new system– right here’s what I wish somebody had informed me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped about the most recent “revolutionary” device. But even if everybody’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a clean, intuitive interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Concealed expenses are the worst. Choose devices that are ahead of time regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit threads. Pay attention to 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 trusted, easy to use system to run your service, I have actually examined a bunch. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Great for project administration, team cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. However, for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not working in your present arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will certainly thank you.