So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Masterclass.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of simplifying every little thing under one roof seems like an efficiency dream. Yet let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I want someone had actually ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favored set of shoes suddenly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I imply, Keap handled everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t best, however it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I desire I might inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Crumbling
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– chaos.
One morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Totally unnecessary web content. 3 days in a row. And not the same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and reconstructed series, even connected to support. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You need to gain access to three different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I intended to like the flexibility, however everything regarding the individual experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was having a hard time, I can not picture what it resembles for somebody just getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start accumulating. I noticed random $10 costs appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery charges with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like an economical, 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 integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Masterclass.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of sort of e-mail marketing, you know just how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, building count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like viewing your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– look at the real cost.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” really means.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a platform that in fact functions the means it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task management tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for customer cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t act or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale migration– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well tough to develop something great. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that just work.