So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) FlowTrack Vs GoHighLevel.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of simplifying everything under one roof sounds like a performance dream. Yet let me quit you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I desire a person had actually ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap took care of whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my organization. Sure, it had not been excellent, yet it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but 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 genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech stack is harsh. I want I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental power it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Crumbling
In the beginning, it appeared like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Completely unimportant web content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, even connected to support. Their feedback? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered too much to run the risk of another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus 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 accessibility 3 different setup panels– spread across the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without directions. I wanted to like the flexibility, yet everything about the individual experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t imagine what it’s like for a person simply getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery charges with Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me FlowTrack Vs GoHighLevel.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any sort of email marketing, you recognize exactly how important deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, developing trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain purged away.
That’s exactly what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap had not been showy, however it was strong. That’s worth more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– take a look at the actual price.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” really implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a platform that really functions the way it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task management tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet wonderful for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you dive into a major movement– or worse, convince your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned too difficult to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply work.