So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it might change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel API Documentation.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining everything under one roof covering seems like a performance dream. But let me stop you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it worked great.
I indicate, Keap managed whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, however it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, 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 trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I wish I might inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Breaking Down
In the beginning, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– mayhem.
One early morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent to the wrong group of get in touches with. Totally pointless content. 3 days in a row. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, erased and rebuilt sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered way too much to run the risk of one more error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. You need to accessibility three different arrangement panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furniture without directions. I wanted to enjoy the adaptability, however whatever concerning the individual experience made me seem like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not imagine what it resembles for a person just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that start accumulating. I saw random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery charges with Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting way much less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel API Documentation.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any sort of e-mail marketing, you know how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it resembles seeing your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality nobody tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, however it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– whenever.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– look at the actual cost.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” really implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a compensation. Locate people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a platform that in fact functions the method it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project administration tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, but wonderful for customer cooperation and task tracking.
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 functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can not claim or else.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown movement– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well difficult to build something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that just work.