So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel P&C Insurance Playbook.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving whatever under one roof seems like an efficiency dream. However let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I desire a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored set of footwear all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I imply, Keap dealt with everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, but it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire technology stack is harsh. I want I might inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Crumbling
Initially, it looked like points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– chaos.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary material. 3 days straight. And not the exact same people either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, also connected to sustain. Their response? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered way too much to risk one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Easy task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You need to gain access to three various setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to love the versatility, yet every little thing concerning the user experience made me feel like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was battling, I can’t picture what it resembles for somebody simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that begin accumulating. I discovered random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery costs through Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what looked like a cost effective, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel P&C Insurance Playbook.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of sort of email marketing, you know exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, constructing trust fund, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (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 Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test everything. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the reality no one tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch.
Keap had not been showy, however it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– check out the actual expense.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” truly suggests.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Locate individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that actually works the means it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project management tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, yet wonderful for customer partnership and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, encourage your customers to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the hard inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too tough 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 with tools that just function.