You understand that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a terrific concept, just to realize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I decided to switch my entire firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software application decisions I have actually made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via specifically what went down– since if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more effective methods to grow your organization. Just … not similar to this.
The Sexy All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever before handled a Monster pile of devices just to run your daily, you know just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and enjoying it, honestly), however still– I obtained tempted in by the promise of streamlining whatever under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy object disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did everything I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I suched as, yet hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), provided more features, and all the awesome marketing professionals online seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest price me more than just cash– it cost me time, power, and assurance.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went done in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and primarily trying to reproduce my entire Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized kinds, landing pages, triggers … every little thing
Allow’s not even talk about the shed performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, viewing tutorials, and attempting to identify where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I assumed points were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Creeping In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. But after that, out of nowhere, people on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t intended to get. I’m speaking entirely unnecessary messages– sent out in sets of 171 individuals at a time. Three days in a row.
Total disorder.
I reconstruct the automations from square one. Still happened. I spoke to support. They condemned “web server issues.” But absolutely nothing made good sense, and the issue really did not disappear. Envision awakening every early morning questioning who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not simply aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect perfection from any type of platform. Bugs happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quickly.
That didn’t occur right here.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my service shed. On the other hand, every min I invested troubleshooting was a min I wasn’t serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to severe entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and just really feel … lost? That was me inside GoHighLevel Whitelabel Zap.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in odd places. Even simple tasks like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. Intend to alter item setups, web page layouts, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through three different locations that make zero logical feeling. Fifty percent the time, I couldn’t even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like utilizing software program developed by engineers, for designers– not daily entrepreneur.
The “Affordable” Plan That Obtained Actual Expensive, Actual Fast
Let’s speak money.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, appropriate?
But here’s what they do not 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 invoicing individually.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I included every little thing up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked GoHighLevel Whitelabel Zap
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were practically nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages properly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play investigator while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– here’s what I want someone had actually told me prior to I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped concerning the latest “cutting edge” tool. However even if everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
A lot more isn’t always far better. A platform with a tidy, instinctive interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature under the sun.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Choose devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and limitations. You should not need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to understand your month-to-month bill.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Just Marketing Experts)
Inspect honest testimonials, individual online forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual individual experience– not simply glossy sales pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, straightforward system to run your service, I have actually evaluated a lot. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized businesses with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Amazing for project administration, group collaboration, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Especially wonderful for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a discouraging, pricey experiment that I could not wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, wondering whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask yourself what’s actually not working in your present arrangement. Do not melt your systems down even if something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.