So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel HVAC Snapshot.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof sounds like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the hype. And I wish someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering 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 new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I indicate, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, but it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s whole tech pile is ruthless. I wish I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
In the beginning, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong group of calls. Totally pointless web content. 3 days in a row. And not the same people either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation settings, removed and restored series, even reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You have to access 3 different configuration panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the versatility, however everything concerning the user experience made me seem like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it resembles for a person simply getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin accumulating. I saw random $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery fees with Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel HVAC Snapshot.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, developing trust fund, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it’s like seeing your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the reality no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That deserves more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– whenever.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– take a look at the genuine price.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from associates trying to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a platform that really works the method it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Amazing automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project management devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet wonderful for customer cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their biggest supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well difficult to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to tools that just function.