So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the glowing evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review just how it might change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Agency Unlimited Plan.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing system seems like a performance dream. However let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I wish a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I imply, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it had not been best, but it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I wish I might inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from square one– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
Initially, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Totally irrelevant web content. Three days straight. And not the exact same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and restored series, also reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered excessive to risk one more error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. You have to gain access to 3 various arrangement panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to like the adaptability, however everything concerning the individual experience made me seem like I needed a designer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t imagine what it resembles for a person just getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees via Mailgun, their email provider.
So what appeared like 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 much less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Agency Unlimited Plan.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any sort of email marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work obtain purged down the drain.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I could not justify staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the fact no person informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap had not been flashy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– check out the real cost.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “unlimited” actually implies.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements around? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that actually functions the method it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task administration devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their largest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you dive into a major movement– or worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked also tough to develop something terrific. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just work.