So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Frank Kern GoHighLevel.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering seems like a productivity desire. However let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I desire a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap took care of every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t excellent, yet it was reputable. Like a good 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 considering the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire tech stack is harsh. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen 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
Initially, it appeared like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Totally unimportant content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and restored sequences, also reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You have to accessibility three various arrangement panels– scattered across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to like the adaptability, however every little thing concerning the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone simply getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment charges with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining way less dependability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Frank Kern GoHighLevel.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any sort of email marketing, you recognize how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, constructing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed away.
That’s exactly what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not advise it. Not if you’re searching for something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality no person informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good reason to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, yet it was strong. That deserves more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every single time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– look at the real expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” really means.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews available? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a payment. Locate individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that actually works the means it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task management devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, yet wonderful for client collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their largest supporter. Yet it really did not. And I can not make believe or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also hard to develop something fantastic. Do not risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just work.