So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read how it might replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) Does GoHighLevel Have Free Trials.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of simplifying whatever under one roofing system seems like a productivity desire. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I want someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something new? Like when your favored pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked excellent.
I indicate, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it had not been ideal, however it was reliable. Like a good 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?
Due to glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech pile is harsh. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it resembled points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One early morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent to the wrong group of calls. Totally irrelevant content. 3 days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You need to accessibility 3 various setup panels– spread across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to like the adaptability, but whatever about the user experience made me feel like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody 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 resembles for someone just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that start piling up. I noticed random $10 fees popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs through Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what looked like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Does GoHighLevel Have Free Trials.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand just how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, building depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like viewing your effort obtain purged away.
That’s exactly what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your reputation, your customer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, yet it was solid. That’s worth more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– consider the genuine cost.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a platform that actually functions the method it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task management tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, but excellent for client collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned also difficult 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 to tools that just function.