You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what occurred when I decided to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in truth? It turned into one of the most agonizing software 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 with specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more effective ways to grow your business. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been making use of Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), yet still– I got drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative instance of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Really Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why modification?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the cool online marketers online appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That curiosity expense me greater than simply cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Loads of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Customized kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not also speak about the shed productivity throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck fundamental setups were.
And just when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Slipping In
Initially, every little thing looked all right. But then, out of no place, individuals on my list began getting e-mails they weren’t meant to obtain. I’m chatting totally irrelevant messages– sent out in sets of 171 customers each time. 3 days straight.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They blamed “server concerns.” However nothing made good sense, and the trouble really did not vanish. Visualize waking up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not afford to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong emails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of platform. Pests take place. However when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my business burned. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a minute I had not been offering clients or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Google Drive Integration.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange places. Also simple jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Wish to alter item setups, page formats, and total circulation? Great– you’ll need to hunt through three different areas that make zero rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like using software application constructed by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Real Quick
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds fantastic, appropriate?
But below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever 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 poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Google Drive Integration
The final straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and points just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– below’s what I wish someone had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped about the latest “revolutionary” device. However just because everyone’s speaking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t always much better. A system with a clean, instinctive user interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Concealed prices are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your regular monthly bill.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Inspect unbiased testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your organization, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized services with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Superb for task management, group cooperation, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might work for some. However, for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s truly not operating in your present configuration. Don’t melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thanks.