So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review just how it could change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) Can GoHighLevel Create Funnels.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering seems like a productivity desire. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish a person had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it worked excellent.
I indicate, Keap took care of whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire technology pile is harsh. I wish I can tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological energy it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Crumbling
Initially, it looked like things were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of contacts. Entirely unimportant content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and rebuilt series, also reached out to sustain. Their action? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply maintained going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to take the chance of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You have to access three different setup panels– spread across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to love the versatility, but every little thing about the user experience made me feel like I needed a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was having a hard time, I can not envision what it resembles for somebody just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that begin piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery charges through Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled a cost effective, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Can GoHighLevel Create Funnels.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of sort of email marketing, you know exactly how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like viewing your effort get purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I could not justify staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good reason to switch.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was solid. That’s worth greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– look at the genuine cost.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” actually implies.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials available? They’re from associates trying to rack up a compensation. Locate people with nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a system that actually functions the way it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project monitoring tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, but wonderful for customer collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their biggest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the difficult questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too hard to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just work.