You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, only to recognize later on … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what occurred when I decided to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. But in reality? It became among one of the most unpleasant software application decisions I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through exactly what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective ways to expand your business. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come to life. A solitary platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, visit bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for several years (and loving it, truthfully), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a bad situation of shiny object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap had not been broken. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little dated in places, and often points took a few even more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), used more features, and all the trendy online marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That inquisitiveness price me greater than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a strong 30 to 40 hours moving information, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to replicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail clients
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Customized types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not also talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to find out where the heck basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
At first, every little thing looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my checklist began obtaining emails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting completely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Overall mayhem.
I rebuilt the automations from scratch. Still happened. I spoke to support. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Visualize getting up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on depend on, you can not manage to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the incorrect people.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any kind of platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up fast.
That really did not happen right here.
Feedbacks were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling right into deep space while my organization shed. At the same time, every minute I invested troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my agency.
For a tool that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … shed? That was me inside GoHighLevel Microsoft Teams Integration.
The UX was confusing. Points were hidden in strange areas. Even simple jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. Want to alter product settings, page layouts, and overall circulation? Amazing– you’ll need to search via three different areas that make zero sensible sense. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like utilizing software program developed by designers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Sounds remarkable, best?
Yet right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per email if you use their SMTP.
You have to attach solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t discussed clearly.
Desire far better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Microsoft Teams Integration
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Perhaps the system was just sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my list deteriorated.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I desire somebody had actually told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s easy to obtain hyped about the most recent “advanced” device. But even if everyone’s talking about something doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden prices are the most awful. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Genuine Users (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check honest reviews, customer online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of real customer experience– not just glossy sales pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your business, I’ve tested a number. Below are a couple of I ‘d really suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, strong support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one remedy for little to mid-sized services with strong reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for task administration, group collaboration, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly fantastic for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s really not working in your current configuration. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier appeared.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.