So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Image Slider.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of simplifying everything under one roof covering sounds like an efficiency desire. But let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I wish somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored set of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked great.
I mean, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my business. Sure, it had not been ideal, yet it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. 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 writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s whole technology pile is harsh. I wish I could inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from square one– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of calls. Entirely pointless content. Three days in a row. And not the same people either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, also connected to support. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. You have to gain access to three different configuration panels– spread across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without guidelines. I intended to like the versatility, but whatever concerning the individual experience made me feel like I needed a developer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was battling, I can’t imagine what it’s like for somebody just getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution costs via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Image Slider.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test everything. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the reality no person informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent reason to change.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– whenever.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– check out the genuine cost.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” actually suggests.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Find individuals with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a system that in fact functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task management devices for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, but fantastic for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest supporter. But it really did not. And I can not act or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or worse, encourage your clients to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also difficult to build something great. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just work.