You understand that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, just to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I determined to switch my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However actually? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software application choices I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, a lot more reliable methods to grow your company. Just … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Assurance
Right here’s things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever managed a Frankenstein pile of devices just to run your daily, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for many years (and loving it, honestly), however still– I got drawn in by the guarantee of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor instance of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did everything I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), used extra features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line appeared to be raving about it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even talk about the lost efficiency during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked okay. But after that, out of no place, people on my listing started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to receive. I’m talking completely unimportant messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at once. 3 days in a row.
Complete chaos.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They blamed “web server problems.” Yet absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem really did not disappear. Envision waking up every morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply frustrating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved depend on, you can not pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any kind of system. Insects happen. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quickly.
That didn’t happen here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting right into the void while my organization burned. Meanwhile, every minute I spent fixing was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Hardware Support For POS.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in weird areas. Even simple tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. Want to alter item settings, web page designs, and overall circulation? Cool– you’ll need to search with three various areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like making use of software constructed by designers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Hardware Support For POS
The final straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were virtually missing. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Perhaps the system was just sending out at bad times or not individualizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I had not been staying to play investigator while my listing deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any type of new system– here’s what I desire a person had actually told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. But even if everyone’s discussing something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Pay Attention to Actual Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine impartial testimonials, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for tiny to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Superb for project monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present configuration. Do not shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.