You understand that feeling when you’re 99% certain something’s a fantastic idea, only to recognize later … it was an overall dumpster fire? That’s exactly what happened when I decided to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked glossy. It appeared revolutionary. Yet in truth? It developed into among the most uncomfortable software application decisions I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So before you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me walk you through specifically what decreased– since if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking smarter, more effective methods to grow your business. Simply … not such as this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Below’s the important things. When GoHighLevel hit the scene, it sounded like a desire become a reality. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit bookings, automation, repayments– you call it.
If you’ve ever managed a Frankenstein pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I ‘d been utilizing Keap for years (and liking it, honestly), but still– I obtained drawn in by the assurance of streamlining every little thing under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a negative case of glossy item syndrome.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be genuine with you: Keap wasn’t damaged. It did whatever I needed. It managed my email automations, sales funnels, consultation organizing, invoicing– you call it. Sure, the user interface really felt a little outdated in places, and sometimes things took a couple of even more clicks than I suched as, however hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Truthfully, I simply started asking yourself if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was less expensive (externally), supplied more features, and all the amazing online marketers online appeared to be raving regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a drug.
That inquisitiveness expense me more than just money– it cost me time, power, and peace of mind.
What It Cost Me to Change
I went all in. Signed up for the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours moving data, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my entire Keap arrangement inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ email customers
- Loads of automations
- All client profiles and notes
- Stripe invoicing integration
- Entire funnel infrastructure
- Custom kinds, landing pages, causes … whatever
Allow’s not also speak about the lost performance during those couple of weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, enjoying tutorials, and attempting to determine where the hell fundamental settings were.
And simply when I assumed points were functioning … they weren’t.
The Vermin Began Sneaking In
In the beginning, every little thing looked all right. Yet then, out of no place, individuals on my list started getting emails they weren’t intended to receive. I’m speaking entirely unimportant messages– sent in batches of 171 users at a time. Three days in a row.
Overall chaos.
I rebuilt the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I contacted assistance. They condemned “web server issues.” Yet nothing made sense, and the problem really did not go away. Imagine awakening every morning questioning who your system could’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just irritating– it threatens. When your entire brand is built on trust fund, you can’t afford to resemble an unaware amateur blowing up the incorrect e-mails to the wrong individuals.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Now, I do not anticipate perfection from any system. Pests take place. Yet when they do? I anticipate the support group to step up fast.
That didn’t happen right here.
Actions were unclear. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was screaming into the void while my company shed. Meanwhile, every minute I spent troubleshooting was a min I had not been serving clients or expanding my company.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel certain didn’t treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Warm Mess
You ever make use of a tool and simply feel … shed? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel Good For Ecommerce.
The UX was confusing. Things were hidden 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? Don’t also get me began. Intend to transform item settings, page designs, and total flow? Awesome– you’ll require to quest through three different locations that make absolutely no sensible sense. Half the time, I couldn’t also keep in mind where I would certainly clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like utilizing software program constructed by engineers, for designers– not day-to-day company owner.
The “Budget-friendly” Plan That Got Real Costly, Genuine Quick
Let’s talk cash.
One of GoHighLevel’s large selling factors is the cost. I imply, $97/month for all those features? Seems outstanding, right?
However right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay additional per e-mail if you use their SMTP.
You have to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their payment individually.
You’ll get arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you as well.
By the time I included whatever up, I was paying greater than I had actually been with Keap. And worsening results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel Good For Ecommerce
The last straw? Viewing my e-mail open prices go down like a rock.
I ‘d been obtaining a strong 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were dialed in, and points simply worked.
After switching to GoHighLevel? Opens dropped below 15%. Clicks were practically missing. Something was plainly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability issue. Maybe the system was simply sending at hard times or not individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t lingering to play investigator while my list decomposed.
Lessons I Discovered the Hard Way
If you’re considering switching over to GoHighLevel– or any new platform– here’s what I desire someone had informed me before I made the leap:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Plaything
It’s very easy to get hyped concerning the latest “advanced” tool. Yet even if every person’s talking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your existing system is working, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Value Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t constantly far better. A system with a tidy, user-friendly interface will save you time and headaches in the long run– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the worst. Select devices that are ahead of time about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to recognize your month-to-month costs.
4. Pay Attention to Real Individuals (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Check unbiased testimonials, user online forums, and Reddit strings. Focus on real individual experience– not just slick sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reputable, easy to use platform to run your company, I have actually evaluated a lot. Here are a few I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My present go-to. Powerful automations, solid assistance, and it just works. Worth every penny.
HubSpot— Great for businesses that need scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized companies with strong coverage tools.
Monday.com— Superb for task monitoring, group cooperation, and sales pipe tracking.
Bonsai— Specifically great for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Final Thought
GoHighLevel might help some. But for me? It was a frustrating, costly experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the side, questioning whether to make the leap– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not working in your existing setup. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what jobs. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.