So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the glowing testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review just how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel LeadConnector.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing every little thing under one roof covering seems like a productivity desire. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire a person had actually ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned fantastic.
I suggest, Keap dealt with every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t excellent, however it was trustworthy. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about 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?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. 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 humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I want I can inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a peek of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Totally pointless content. Three days straight. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, also reached out to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered excessive to risk an additional error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in places no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You have to gain access to 3 various configuration panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to enjoy the flexibility, however everything about the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it’s like for a person simply getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out with their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 costs popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs through Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like a cost effective, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less reliability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel LeadConnector.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how essential deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, developing trust, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your effort get flushed away.
That’s specifically what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your online reputation, your customer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap had not been flashy, but it was strong. That’s worth more than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– take a look at the actual price.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” actually indicates.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonials available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Locate individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that really functions the means it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task administration tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for client cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t act or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked as well difficult to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just work.