You know that feeling when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic idea, just to recognize later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s specifically what happened when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It appeared revolutionary. However in truth? It turned into one of one of the most agonizing software program choices I’ve made in over a years of running my service.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you via exactly what decreased– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always seeking smarter, a lot more effective methods to expand your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Promise
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it seemed like a desire come true. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you’ve ever handled a Monster stack of devices just to run your daily, you understand exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and loving it, honestly), but still– I obtained tempted in by the assurance of simplifying everything under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface really felt a little dated in position, and often points took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, but hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I just began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (on the surface), provided much more features, and all the cool marketing professionals on the internet seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That curiosity cost me more than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and satisfaction.
What It Expense Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours moving data, rebuilding workflows, and essentially attempting to reproduce my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I needed to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom kinds, landing pages, triggers … everything
Let’s not even discuss the shed performance throughout those couple of weeks. I depended on my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to find out where the hell basic setups were.
And simply when I believed points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked alright. However then, out of no place, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t expected to get. I’m chatting entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 users each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete turmoil.
I restore the automations from the ground up. Still happened. I got in touch with support. They condemned “server concerns.” But absolutely nothing made sense, and the issue didn’t go away. Picture waking up every morning questioning who your system might’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just irritating– it’s dangerous. When your whole brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to appear like an unaware amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any type of platform. Insects occur. Yet when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That really did not occur below.
Responses were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming right into deep space while my company melted. At the same time, every min I spent repairing was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to severe business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before use a tool and just really feel … shed? That was me inside How To Make Money with GoHighLevel.
The UX was clunky. Points were hidden in unusual places. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. Want to alter product setups, page formats, and general flow? Awesome– you’ll need to quest through three different areas that make absolutely no logical sense. Fifty percent the moment, I couldn’t even keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It seemed like utilizing software built by designers, for designers– not everyday entrepreneur.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Real Expensive, Actual Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s huge selling factors is the price. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Appears incredible, ideal?
But below’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You need to attach services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment independently.
You’ll get random microcharges that aren’t explained clearly.
Desire much better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I added everything up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s just bad mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Make Money with GoHighLevel
The final straw? Seeing my email open prices drop like a rock.
I would certainly been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and things just worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were nearly nonexistent. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not customizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been remaining to play detective while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any kind of new platform– below’s what I desire someone had actually informed me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the most up to date “advanced” device. Yet just because everybody’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, hesitate prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simpleness Over Features
More isn’t constantly better. A system with a tidy, intuitive user interface will certainly save you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Transparency
Hidden expenses are the worst. Select devices that are upfront regarding pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t need a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your regular monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Examine unbiased reviews, customer discussion forums, and Reddit threads. Take notice of real customer experience– not simply glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trustworthy, user-friendly platform to run your company, I have actually tested a bunch. Below are a few I ‘d in fact suggest:.
Keap— My current go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every dime.
HubSpot— Great for services that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one option for small to mid-sized companies with strong reporting tools.
Monday.com— Wonderful for job management, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Verdict
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But also for me? It was an aggravating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the edge, questioning whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s actually not working in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what jobs. Your sanity (and your customers) will certainly thanks.