So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel AI Lead Gen System.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing seems like a productivity desire. Yet let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the buzz. And I want somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked wonderful.
I mean, Keap took care of everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my business. Sure, it had not been excellent, but it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire technology stack is harsh. I wish I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological power it sucked out of me. You recognize that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for also long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Crumbling
At first, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Completely unnecessary content. Three days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, erased and reconstructed sequences, also reached out to support. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered excessive to risk one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Basic job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You have to gain access to 3 different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, but everything about the individual experience made me seem like I needed a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for somebody just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that start accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees with Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method much less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel AI Lead Gen System.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of type of email marketing, you know how essential deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, constructing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was solid. That deserves greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– whenever.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– consider the real expense.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” really implies.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant endorsements around? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a system that actually functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project monitoring tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to whatever. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant supporter. However it really did not. And I can not pretend or else.
So prior to you dive into a major movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well difficult to build something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just function.