So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Calendar Sync.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving everything under one roof sounds like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I suggest, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my business. Sure, it had not been perfect, but it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I want I can inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental power it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Totally unimportant web content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and restored series, even reached out to sustain. Their response? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You need to gain access to three various configuration panels– scattered across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the versatility, however everything concerning the individual experience made me feel like I required a designer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can not picture what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that begin piling up. I observed random $10 charges popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment costs through Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Calendar Sync.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of email marketing, you understand how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, developing trust fund, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it’s like viewing your hard work get flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, however it was solid. That deserves more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every single time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not fall for low prices– take a look at the genuine expense.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” really implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews available? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Discover people with nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that really functions the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project monitoring devices for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however great for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can not claim or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to develop something excellent. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just function.