You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful concept, just to realize later … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what occurred when I chose to change my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in truth? It became one of one of the most agonizing software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, much more effective means to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a desire come to life. A solitary system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you have actually ever juggled a Frankenstein pile of devices simply to run your daily, you know just how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I got tempted in by the promise of simplifying every little thing under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad case of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes points took a couple of more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), supplied much more features, and all the awesome marketers online seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a heck of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, rebuilding workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, triggers … whatever
Let’s not even discuss the lost performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck basic setups were.
And simply when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Started Creeping In
At first, everything looked all right. However then, out of nowhere, individuals on my listing started getting emails they weren’t expected to receive. I’m talking totally pointless messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days straight.
Complete chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still occurred. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the trouble didn’t vanish. Think of waking up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust fund, you can not afford to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I don’t anticipate perfection from any kind of platform. Bugs happen. Yet when they do? I expect the support team to step up quickly.
That really did not take place below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting right into the void while my business shed. At the same time, every min I invested fixing was a minute I wasn’t offering customers or growing my firm.
For a tool that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before make use of a tool and just feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Invoicing.
The UX was clunky. Things were buried in odd areas. Even easy tasks like editing and enhancing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to alter item setups, page formats, and general flow? Cool– you’ll need to search with 3 various areas that make absolutely no sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs earlier.
It felt like using software program developed by engineers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Costly, Actual Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, appropriate?
Yet right here’s what they do not inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their billing independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Want far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Invoicing
The last straw? Viewing my email open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was involved, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I had not been sticking around to play detective while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new system– right here’s what I want somebody had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the most up to date “cutting edge” tool. But even if everybody’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed costs are the worst. Select devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Listen to Real Users (Not Just Marketers)
Check impartial evaluations, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of actual individual experience– not simply slick sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a dependable, straightforward platform to run your company, I’ve evaluated a bunch. Below are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically terrific for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help 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– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your existing configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.