You know that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to realize later on … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what took place when I decided to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. However in reality? It became one of the most uncomfortable software program decisions I have actually made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through precisely what went down– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, extra efficient means to grow your organization. Simply … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Right here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire happened. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster pile of tools just to run your everyday, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and liking it, truthfully), yet still– I got tempted in by the promise of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor situation of glossy object syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Functioned)
Let me be real with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I required. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface felt a little dated in position, and occasionally things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began questioning if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), offered more features, and all the amazing marketing experts on the internet appeared to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medicine.
That interest expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating data, reconstructing workflows, and basically trying to duplicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Dozens of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel infrastructure
- Custom-made forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Allow’s not even talk about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell fundamental settings were.
And just when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Started Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked okay. Yet then, out of nowhere, people on my listing began getting emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking completely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers at a time. 3 days straight.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I contacted assistance. They condemned “server problems.” However nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Visualize awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is improved count on, you can not pay for to look like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any type of system. Insects occur. However when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t occur right here.
Feedbacks were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was yelling into the void while my organization shed. Meanwhile, every min I spent troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t offering clients or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel sure didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever utilize a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Shopify Integration.
The UX was cumbersome. Things were buried in odd places. Even basic tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. Wish to alter product setups, page formats, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search via 3 different locations that make zero sensible sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also remember where I ‘d clicked something ten secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software application built by engineers, for engineers– not daily company owner.
The “Inexpensive” Plan That Obtained Genuine Expensive, Genuine Fast
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge marketing points is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems incredible, best?
But here’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing separately.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Want better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And becoming worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad math.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Shopify Integration
The final straw? Enjoying my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My target market was engaged, my automations were called in, and points simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were nearly missing. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending out at bad times or otherwise customizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been sticking around to play investigator while my checklist rotted.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new system– here’s what I want somebody had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped regarding the latest “cutting edge” device. However just because everyone’s talking about something doesn’t indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Much more isn’t always far better. A system with a clean, user-friendly interface will save you time and headaches over time– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Surprise prices are the worst. Pick devices that are in advance about pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly costs.
4. Pay Attention to Genuine Customers (Not Simply Marketers)
Check objective evaluations, customer forums, and Reddit strings. Pay attention to actual customer experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your company, I’ve examined a lot. Below are a couple of I ‘d actually advise:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it simply functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one service for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel may help some. But also for me? It was a discouraging, expensive experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask yourself what’s really not operating in your present configuration. Don’t burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier appeared.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will certainly thank you.