You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a fantastic concept, only to understand later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s precisely what happened when I determined to switch my entire agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet actually? It became one of one of the most uncomfortable software choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my organization.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for smarter, much more reliable ways to expand your service. Just … not similar to this.
The Seductive All-in-One Pledge
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A single platform to handle your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, consultation bookings, automation, settlements– you name it.
If you have actually ever managed a Monster stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for many years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I got drawn in by the assurance of streamlining everything under one roof covering.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a negative case of glossy things disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Device That Really Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did whatever I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, appointment scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the user interface felt a little dated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I liked, however hey, it worked.
So why change?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less costly (on the surface), offered extra features, and all the cool marketing professionals on-line seemed to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a heck of a drug.
That curiosity expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, energy, and assurance.
What It Price Me to Switch
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a strong 30 to 40 hours migrating information, restoring workflows, and essentially attempting to replicate my whole Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Right here’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email subscribers
- Lots of automations
- All customer profiles and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Personalized types, landing pages, causes … whatever
Let’s not also talk about the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and attempting to figure out where the heck standard setups were.
And simply when I thought things were working … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, whatever looked alright. But then, out of nowhere, people on my checklist began getting e-mails they weren’t supposed to obtain. I’m speaking entirely irrelevant messages– sent out in batches of 171 customers each time. 3 days in a row.
Complete disorder.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I called support. They criticized “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the problem didn’t vanish. Visualize getting up every morning wondering who your system could’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just aggravating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand is built on count on, you can’t manage to look like an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, All The Best
Now, I do not anticipate excellence from any system. Bugs take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the assistance group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Responses were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was shouting into deep space while my business burned. At the same time, every minute I spent fixing was a minute I had not been serving customers or expanding my company.
For a tool that markets itself to serious entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever use a device and simply feel … lost? That was me inside How To Migrate A Website To GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Also basic jobs like editing a funnel or tweaking an email circulation turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Want to alter item settings, web page formats, and overall flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search through three different locations that make no logical sense. Half the moment, I couldn’t also bear in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs previously.
It felt like making use of software program built by engineers, for engineers– not day-to-day entrepreneur.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Genuine Fast
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large selling points is the rate. I suggest, $97/month for all those features? Appears impressive, best?
However right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their billing individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified clearly.
Desire much better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying more than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening outcomes.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked How To Migrate A Website To GoHighLevel
The last straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I ‘d been getting a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points just worked.
After changing to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Possibly it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was just sending out at bad times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the reason, I had not been lingering to play investigator while my list rotted.
Lessons I Learned by hand
If you’re considering changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I desire somebody had told me before I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the latest “revolutionary” tool. However even if everybody’s discussing something does not suggest it’s right for you. If your present system is working, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simpleness Over Features
Extra isn’t always much better. A platform with a tidy, user-friendly interface will conserve you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it doesn’t have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Concealed expenses are the most awful. Pick tools that are upfront concerning pricing, integrations, and limits. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your monthly bill.
4. Listen to Genuine Individuals (Not Simply Marketers)
Examine impartial reviews, customer forums, and Reddit threads. Focus on actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, straightforward system to run your organization, I’ve tested a bunch. Here are a couple of I ‘d really recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it just works. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and advanced CRM features.
GreenRope— A strong all-in-one solution for tiny to mid-sized companies with solid coverage devices.
Monday.com— Great for job monitoring, team collaboration, and sales pipeline tracking.
Bonsai— Particularly great for consultants and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel may benefit some. However, for me? It was an irritating, pricey experiment that I couldn’t wait to finish.
So if you’re standing at the side, asking yourself whether to make the jump– concentrate. Ask on your own what’s really not operating in your current arrangement. Don’t melt your systems down even if something newer and shinier turned up.
Stick to what works. Your sanity (and your clients) will thank you.