You understand that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a wonderful concept, only to realize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I chose to change my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. Yet in truth? It turned into among the most uncomfortable software application choices I’ve made in over a years of running my company.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you with specifically what dropped– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (externally), offered much more features, and all the amazing marketing professionals online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest expense me greater than just money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Cost Me to Switch
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and generally attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Let’s not also discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked all right. Yet then, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m chatting entirely pointless messages– sent in batches of 171 individuals each time. 3 days straight.
Overall chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted support. They blamed “web server concerns.” But nothing made good sense, and the problem really did not go away. Visualize getting up every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it threatens. When your whole brand name is built on count on, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any system. Bugs take place. But when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up quick.
That really did not happen here.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my organization melted. On the other hand, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to major business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel IDX Integration.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in odd places. Also easy jobs like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. Want to transform product setups, web page layouts, and total flow? Cool– you’ll need to hunt via three different areas that make absolutely no rational sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program constructed by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s chat cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, right?
But here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Want far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel IDX Integration
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a solid 35% open price with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Possibly the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play investigator while my checklist decomposed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire somebody had told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” tool. Yet even if every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your present system is working, think twice before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly user interface will certainly conserve you time and frustrations in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert prices are the most awful. Pick tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, user online forums, and Reddit threads. Take note of real individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, easy to use system to run your business, I have actually tested a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, strong assistance, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Great for task management, team cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Especially fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s actually not operating in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.