So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the beautiful evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) Can I Connect PayPal To GoHighLevel.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roofing system seems like a performance dream. However let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I wish someone had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap took care of whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it had not been ideal, however it was reliable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology stack is harsh. I desire I can tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
At first, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely unnecessary web content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and restored sequences, even connected to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered too much to take the chance of one more error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You need to gain access to 3 various setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to like the adaptability, but every little thing concerning the user experience made me feel like I needed a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can not visualize what it resembles for a person simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that begin piling up. I discovered random $10 costs turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery fees with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what looked like a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting means much less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Can I Connect PayPal To GoHighLevel.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand just how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, building trust fund, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like viewing your effort get purged down the drain.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your customer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for low cost– take a look at the genuine price.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” actually means.
4. Watch out for biased reviews.
A lot of the glowing testimonies available? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re trying to find a platform that actually functions the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific job management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can not claim or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, convince your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned as well difficult to build something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply work.