So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Authorize.net Integration.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining whatever under one roofing system sounds like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the hype. And I wish somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it worked terrific.
I suggest, Keap dealt with everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my company. Sure, it had not been best, yet it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire tech pile is harsh. I want I might tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Crumbling
Initially, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I got up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Entirely irrelevant web content. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and reconstructed series, also connected to sustain. Their feedback? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to access three various setup panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the adaptability, but whatever about the individual experience made me feel like I needed a programmer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for a person just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that start piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what appeared like a cost effective, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Authorize.net Integration.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like watching your effort get purged down the drain.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your online reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality no one informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was strong. That deserves greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– take a look at the actual expense.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” actually suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a payment. Find people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a system that really functions the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Remarkable automation, strong deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful task administration tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for customer collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant supporter. Yet it really did not. And I can not pretend or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked too tough to develop something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.