So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the radiant evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Ad Manager.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roofing sounds like a productivity dream. Yet let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your preferred set of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I indicate, Keap took care of everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the showy 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 recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning 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 thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech stack is brutal. I wish I can inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Completely pointless material. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and reconstructed sequences, even connected to sustain. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of one more screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me repaint you an image. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. You need to accessibility 3 different setup panels– spread across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wished to like the flexibility, but every little thing regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can not visualize what it resembles for somebody just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 fees appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery fees via Mailgun, their email company.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Ad Manager.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you know just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, building trust, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work get flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your track record, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for low cost– look at the genuine cost.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” actually indicates.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Find people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a platform that actually works the means it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task administration devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, yet terrific for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can not act otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-scale migration– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked also tough to build something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that just function.