So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the glowing testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review just how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) Does GoHighLevel Have Project Management.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of improving every little thing under one roofing seems like an efficiency desire. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked great.
I imply, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology pile is harsh. I desire I can inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Restore a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental power it sucked out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
At first, it looked like things were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Totally pointless web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and rebuilt sequences, even connected to support. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the e-mails simply maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered too much to take the chance of one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you an image. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Basic task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You need to access 3 different configuration panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to love the adaptability, but whatever regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not picture what it’s like for somebody just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment fees with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Does GoHighLevel Have Project Management.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize how crucial deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, building count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles watching your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s exactly what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the reality no person tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good reason to change.
Keap wasn’t flashy, yet it was solid. That deserves greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– check out the real price.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “endless” truly suggests.
4. Watch out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the radiant endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Locate people with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a platform that really functions the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
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 largest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t make believe or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too tough to construct something terrific. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just function.