So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it can change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) Is GoHighLevel a Pyramid Scheme.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering seems like an efficiency desire. However let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked great.
I imply, Keap managed every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology stack is ruthless. I want I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect group of calls. Completely unnecessary content. Three days straight. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to sustain. Their response? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered too much to risk another error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to gain access to 3 various setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to enjoy the versatility, but every little thing regarding the individual experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not picture what it’s like for somebody just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 fees popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution charges via Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what looked like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting method less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Is GoHighLevel a Pyramid Scheme.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of kind of email marketing, you understand exactly how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your effort get purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your credibility, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the truth no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent reason to change.
Keap had not been flashy, yet it was strong. That deserves more than any new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for small cost– take a look at the real expense.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” truly means.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant endorsements available? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Discover people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a platform that really functions the way it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for client cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest supporter. Yet it really did not. And I can not claim or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked also hard to build something great. Do not risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just work.