So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) Does GoHighLevel Automate Google Reviews.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roof covering seems like a performance desire. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I desire a person had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I indicate, Keap handled whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t best, however it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I want I might tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for as well long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Falling Apart
Initially, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Completely pointless web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and restored sequences, even reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of another error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Basic task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in places no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You need to gain access to three various arrangement panels– scattered across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wanted to enjoy the flexibility, however everything about the user experience made me feel like I required a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not imagine what it’s like for somebody simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery fees via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what appeared like a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less dependability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Does GoHighLevel Automate Google Reviews.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like seeing your hard work obtain purged away.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the reality no one informs you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t fancy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every single time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to small cost– look at the actual expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” truly suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews around? They’re from associates trying to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
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 system that really works the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task administration tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for customer partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So before you study a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned too difficult to develop something fantastic. 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 function.