So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Benefits.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roofing system sounds like an efficiency desire. Yet let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish a person had ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favored set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I suggest, Keap managed everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, but it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole technology pile is brutal. I desire I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Falling Apart
Initially, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Totally unimportant content. Three days in a row. And not the very same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and reconstructed series, even reached out to support. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to risk another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You have to access 3 various arrangement panels– spread across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the flexibility, but everything regarding the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t envision what it’s like for someone just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment costs via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting way much less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Benefits.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand just how crucial deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, developing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a cliff, it’s like watching your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your track record, your customer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– look at the real cost.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” really indicates.
4. Look out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing endorsements out there? They’re from associates attempting to score a compensation. Locate individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a platform that in fact functions the method it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task management tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a major movement– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply function.