You recognize that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a wonderful idea, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what took place when I made a decision to change my whole firm over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in reality? It became among one of the most excruciating software program decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through specifically what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly trying to find smarter, more effective methods to grow your company. Simply … not such as this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single system to handle your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, appointment reservations, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever before managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your daily, you understand just how appealing the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been using Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), however still– I got enticed in by the promise of simplifying whatever under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor case of glossy things syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That Actually Functioned)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I required. It managed my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the interface really felt a little dated in places, and often things took a few even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply started wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied more features, and all the trendy marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be going crazy concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness price me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Expense Me to Switch over
I went done in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, restoring workflows, and primarily trying to duplicate my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom types, landing pages, activates … every little thing
Allow’s not even speak about the lost efficiency throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to identify where the hell fundamental setups were.
And simply when I believed things were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Slipping In
Initially, everything looked alright. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my listing started obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking totally unnecessary messages– sent out in batches of 171 users at a time. 3 days straight.
Overall turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the trouble didn’t go away. Imagine awakening every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it threatens. When your entire brand name is built on trust, you can not afford to look like an unaware amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Pests occur. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up quick.
That really did not happen below.
Reactions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every minute I spent repairing was a min I had not been serving clients or growing my firm.
For a device that markets itself to significant business owners, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a tool and simply feel … lost? That was me inside How To Import ClickFunnels To GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in strange areas. Even basic tasks like editing a funnel or tweaking an e-mail circulation developed into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. Wish to alter product settings, web page formats, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll require to hunt with three various areas that make zero rational sense. Fifty percent the moment, I could not even bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Costly, Actual Rapid
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing points is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Seems fantastic, ideal?
However below’s what they don’t inform you:.
You pay extra per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to connect solutions like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll obtain random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying greater than I had been with Keap. And getting worse outcomes.
That’s not a good deal– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Import ClickFunnels To GoHighLevel
The final straw? Watching my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open price with Keap. My target market was involved, my automations were dialed in, and things simply functioned.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Maybe it was a deliverability concern. Maybe the system was just sending at hard times or otherwise personalizing messages properly. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t remaining to play detective while my listing rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering switching to GoHighLevel– or any kind of brand-new platform– below’s what I want a person had told me before I made the jump:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s simple to obtain hyped concerning the latest “cutting edge” tool. However even if everybody’s talking about something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your current system is working, hesitate before blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always far better. A platform with a clean, intuitive interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Need Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Pick devices that are in advance concerning pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You should not need a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your monthly costs.
4. Listen to Actual Users (Not Simply Online Marketers)
Check honest reviews, individual forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on actual user experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, user-friendly system to run your business, I’ve examined a lot. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My current go-to. Effective automations, solid support, and it just functions. Well worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for services that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one solution for little to mid-sized services with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task administration, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically excellent for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might work for some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your present setup. Do not shed your systems down just because something more recent and shinier turned up.
Stick to what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thank you.