You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% certain something’s a great idea, only to understand later on … it was a total dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I made a decision to switch my entire company over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It seemed revolutionary. Yet in truth? It became one of one of the most painful software program choices I’ve made in over a decade of running my business.
So prior to you get on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you through precisely what went down– because if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for smarter, much more effective ways to grow your organization. Simply … not like this.
The Seductive All-in-One Assurance
Here’s the thing. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream happened. A single platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, e-mail campaigns, visit reservations, automation, repayments– you name it.
If you have actually ever handled a Monster pile of tools simply to run your everyday, you recognize just how alluring the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been using Keap for several years (and enjoying it, truthfully), yet still– I got enticed in by the guarantee of streamlining whatever under one roof.
And yeah, I’ll confess: I had a poor instance of glossy item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be actual with you: Keap had not been damaged. It did every little thing I needed. It handled my e-mail automations, sales funnels, visit scheduling, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little dated in position, and sometimes things took a few more clicks than I liked, yet hey, it worked.
So why adjustment?
Honestly, I simply began wondering if I was losing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), offered much more features, and all the cool marketers on-line seemed to be raving concerning it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That interest expense me greater than just cash– it cost me time, power, and comfort.
What It Price Me to Switch over
I went all in. Registered for the $297/month agency plan. Spent a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating data, rebuilding workflows, and generally trying to reproduce my entire Keap setup inside GoHighLevel.
Below’s what I had to move:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe payment integration
- Whole funnel framework
- Custom forms, landing pages, sets off … everything
Let’s not also speak about the shed efficiency during those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the hell basic settings were.
And simply when I thought points were working … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Creeping In
In the beginning, everything looked alright. Yet after that, out of nowhere, individuals on my list started obtaining emails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m chatting totally unnecessary messages– sent in sets of 171 users each time. Three days in a row.
Total mayhem.
I restore the automations from scratch. Still taken place. I spoke to assistance. They condemned “server concerns.” However absolutely nothing made good sense, and the problem didn’t disappear. Picture waking up every morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed over night.
That’s not just frustrating– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is improved trust, you can’t pay for to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the wrong e-mails to the wrong people.
Assistance? Yeah, Best Of Luck
Currently, I do not expect excellence from any platform. Bugs occur. But when they do? I anticipate the support team to step up quick.
That really did not take place right here.
Actions were obscure. Tickets went unanswered. I seemed like I was yelling into deep space while my organization shed. On the other hand, every minute I invested repairing was a minute I wasn’t serving customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to serious business owners, GoHighLevel sure really did not treat me like one.
The User interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever use a device and simply really feel … lost? That was me inside Migrate From ClickFunnels To GoHighLevel.
The UX was confusing. Points were buried in weird areas. Also basic jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an e-mail flow became a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. Intend to alter item settings, web page formats, and general flow? Trendy– you’ll require to search with three various areas that make absolutely no rational feeling. Half the moment, I couldn’t even remember where I ‘d clicked something 10 secs earlier.
It felt like making use of software constructed by designers, for designers– not daily company owner.
The “Cost effective” Plan That Got Genuine Pricey, Actual Rapid
Let’s speak cash.
Among GoHighLevel’s large marketing factors is the cost. I mean, $97/month for all those features? Sounds outstanding, best?
But right here’s what they do not tell you:.
You pay extra per email if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to link services like Mailgun or Twilio and handle their invoicing independently.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t clarified plainly.
Want better email deliverability? That’s gon na cost you also.
By the time I added whatever up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a good deal– it’s simply poor math.
My Email Metrics Tanked Migrate From ClickFunnels To GoHighLevel
The final straw? Viewing my e-mail open rates 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 functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down below 15%. Clicks were almost nonexistent. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability problem. Possibly the system was simply sending at hard times or not personalizing messages correctly. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my checklist decayed.
Lessons I Found Out the Hard Way
If you’re thinking about changing to GoHighLevel– or any type of new platform– right here’s what I want somebody had told me prior to I made the leap:.
1. Do Not Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s very easy to obtain hyped about the latest “innovative” device. However just because everybody’s speaking about something doesn’t imply it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider before blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
Much more isn’t always much better. A platform with a clean, intuitive user interface will save you time and frustrations in the long run– even if it does not have every feature under the sun.
3. Demand Openness
Covert costs are the worst. Select devices that are upfront about pricing, integrations, and restrictions. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a thesaurus to recognize your regular monthly expense.
4. Listen to Actual Customers (Not Just Marketing Professionals)
Inspect objective testimonials, user discussion forums, and Reddit strings. Take notice of real customer experience– not simply slick sales web pages.
Still Desire an All-in-One CRM? Below Are Better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a reliable, easy to use platform to run your company, I’ve tested a number. Right here are a couple of I ‘d actually suggest:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Powerful automations, solid support, and it simply works. Well worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one option for small to mid-sized organizations with solid reporting devices.
Monday.com— Wonderful for task monitoring, team partnership, and sales pipe monitoring.
Bonsai— Particularly wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might benefit some. But for me? It was an aggravating, costly experiment that I could not 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 really not operating in your current setup. Do not shed your systems down even if something newer and shinier showed up.
Stick with what works. Your peace of mind (and your customers) will thanks.