So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Branded Client Portal in GoHighLevel.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving everything under one roofing seems like a performance dream. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the hype. And I desire a person had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I imply, Keap handled everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my company. Certain, it had not been ideal, however it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny things disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming about a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology stack is brutal. I want I might tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Began Crumbling
At first, it resembled things were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong group of contacts. Entirely irrelevant content. 3 days straight. And not the very same people either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, also connected to sustain. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of another error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You need to gain access to 3 various setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to love the versatility, however everything regarding the user experience made me seem like I needed a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can’t visualize what it resembles for someone simply getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 costs turning up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution fees via Mailgun, their email company.
So what appeared like a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting means much less integrity in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Branded Client Portal in GoHighLevel.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of email marketing, you know just how crucial deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, building trust, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it resembles viewing your hard work get flushed away.
That’s precisely what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a very good reason to change.
Keap had not been showy, however it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– check out the actual price.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonies available? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that really works the means it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for customer partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their most significant supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t claim or else.
So before you study a full-blown movement– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked also difficult to construct something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that simply function.