So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it might replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Appointment Notes.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roof covering sounds like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I mean, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, however it was dependable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And before I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology stack is ruthless. I wish I could tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I really underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Crumbling
Initially, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the wrong team of calls. Totally pointless content. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– different sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, erased and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to support. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You need to gain access to three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to love the flexibility, however everything about the user experience made me feel like I needed a developer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was battling, I can’t imagine what it resembles for someone just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that begin piling up. I saw random $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution fees with Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Appointment Notes.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any sort of email marketing, you know just how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, building count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles viewing your hard work get flushed away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was solid. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– check out the real price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” actually implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful testimonials available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a payment. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a platform that in fact works the method it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific job monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for client cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe or else.
So before you study a full-blown movement– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned also tough to develop something excellent. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that just work.