So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it can change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel WooCommerce Integration.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of simplifying whatever under one roof covering sounds like a productivity desire. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I wish someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked great.
I suggest, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, but it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole tech pile is brutal. I wish I could inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of contacts. Totally irrelevant web content. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation setups, erased and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You need to accessibility 3 various arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without guidelines. I intended to enjoy the adaptability, however every little thing regarding the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not picture what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little costs that begin piling up. I observed random $10 fees turning up– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery fees with Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what looked like a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel WooCommerce Integration.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, constructing count on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low prices– look at the real price.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced evaluations.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements out there? They’re from associates trying to score a compensation. Discover people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a platform that really functions the way it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task administration tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their largest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can not claim or else.
So before you study a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned too tough to build something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply work.