You know that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to recognize later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I determined to switch my whole company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. But in reality? It became one of the most excruciating software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for smarter, a lot more effective means to expand your business. Just … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your daily, you recognize exactly how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, truthfully), however still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roofing system.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you name it. Sure, the user interface felt a little outdated in position, and often points took a few more clicks than I liked, but hey, it functioned.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started questioning if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered more features, and all the trendy marketing experts on-line seemed to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and peace of mind.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went done in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and primarily attempting to duplicate my whole Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also discuss the shed performance throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, seeing tutorials, and trying to identify where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I thought things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Slipping In
At first, everything looked okay. But then, out of no place, people on my list began getting emails they weren’t intended to obtain. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent in batches of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total turmoil.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still occurred. I called support. They condemned “server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Think of getting up every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not simply aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is improved count on, you can not manage to look like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the incorrect individuals.
Support? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not anticipate excellence from any type of system. Insects take place. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance group to step up fast.
That really did not occur right here.
Responses were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling right into the void while my organization melted. Meanwhile, every minute I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering customers or growing my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel QuickBooks Integration.
The UX was cumbersome. Points were hidden in unusual areas. Even simple 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 started. Want to transform item setups, web page formats, and general flow? Amazing– you’ll require to quest through 3 various locations that make absolutely no logical sense. Half the time, I could not even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It seemed like utilizing software developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday business owners.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Obtained Genuine Pricey, Actual Fast
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the rate. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems impressive, appropriate?
However below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their invoicing individually.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Want much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just poor mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel QuickBooks Integration
The final straw? Enjoying my email open rates drop like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a solid 35% open price with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were virtually nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play detective while my listing decayed.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– here’s what I desire someone had actually told me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s easy to get hyped concerning the most up to date “revolutionary” tool. However even if every person’s speaking about something does not mean it’s right for you. If your existing system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Extra isn’t constantly much better. A platform with a tidy, intuitive user interface will save you time and migraines in the future– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Hidden expenses are the worst. Choose tools that are in advance regarding pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Check unbiased testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real individual experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use system to run your company, I have actually checked a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact advise:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, strong assistance, and it simply works. Well worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Amazing for job management, team collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may work for some. But for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the leap– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not operating in your current arrangement. Do not burn your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thank you.