So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Hardware Support For POS.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of improving whatever under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
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 suddenly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned terrific.
I suggest, Keap dealt with whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my service. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology pile is harsh. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Completely unimportant content. 3 days straight. And not the exact same individuals either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and restored series, also reached out to sustain. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered too much to take the chance of an additional screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to gain access to 3 various configuration panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to like the adaptability, however everything about the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not visualize what it’s like for a person simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 fees appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution fees with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less dependability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Hardware Support For POS.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, constructing trust fund, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain purged down the drain.
That’s specifically what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your client experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t fancy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– consider the genuine expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” really indicates.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the glowing endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a system that really works the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project management devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, but fantastic for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their greatest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can not pretend or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked as well hard to build something great. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just function.