So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) Can You Sell Products on GoHighLevel.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of enhancing everything under one roof covering sounds like a productivity desire. However let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the hype. And I wish a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I imply, Keap dealt with every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was trustworthy. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming about 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 reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire technology stack is ruthless. I want I could tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological power it drew out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely pointless content. 3 days straight. And not the exact same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation settings, deleted and reconstructed sequences, also reached out to support. Their feedback? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered way too much to risk another error.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. You need to accessibility three various setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, however whatever concerning the user experience made me seem like I needed a designer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for a person just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that start accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring shipment charges through Mailgun, their email provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Can You Sell Products on GoHighLevel.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of kind of email marketing, you recognize how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your listing, constructing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates leave a cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get purged away.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent reason to change.
Keap wasn’t flashy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– check out the genuine expense.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” actually implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from associates attempting to score a compensation. Find individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a platform that actually works the way it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific job monitoring tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or even worse, convince your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the difficult questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked too hard to develop something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply function.