You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It seemed revolutionary. But actually? It turned into one of the most agonizing software application choices I have actually made in over a decade of running my service.
So prior to you get 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, extra reliable ways to expand your company. Simply … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single system to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of tools simply to run your day-to-day, you know how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been making use of Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got lured in by the pledge of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a poor case of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been broken. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in places, and occasionally things took a couple of more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began asking yourself if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (on the surface), offered more features, and all the trendy marketing experts online appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, activates … whatever
Allow’s not even speak about the shed productivity during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, whatever looked fine. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall mayhem.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server problems.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue didn’t vanish. Think of getting up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply annoying– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust fund, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I don’t anticipate perfection from any type of platform. Bugs occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was shouting into the void while my organization melted. On the other hand, every min I spent fixing was a min I wasn’t offering customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel NMI Integration.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in odd locations. Also straightforward tasks 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 transform product setups, page designs, and overall flow? Cool– you’ll need to quest with three various locations that make absolutely no sensible sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It seemed like using software developed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Economical” Plan That Obtained Real Pricey, Actual Quick
Let’s chat money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big selling points is the price. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, ideal?
However right here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t explained plainly.
Desire far 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 been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel NMI Integration
The last straw? Enjoying my e-mail open rates drop like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or not individualizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been lingering to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking of switching over to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I want a person had actually informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “advanced” tool. But just because every person’s discussing something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, think twice prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
A lot more isn’t always better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and headaches in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Covert expenses are the worst. Pick devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a thesaurus to understand your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check honest testimonials, user forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly platform to run your business, I have actually tested a number. Right here are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for task monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was a discouraging, costly experiment that I couldn’t wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask yourself what’s truly not working in your present arrangement. Don’t shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your clients) will certainly thank you.