So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant evaluations. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Certified Lunch N Learn.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of simplifying everything under one roofing sounds like a performance desire. However let me quit you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned wonderful.
I mean, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was dependable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech pile is harsh. I want I could tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– disorder.
One early morning I awakened to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect team of calls. Entirely pointless content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same people either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and restored series, also connected to support. Their feedback? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You need to access 3 various setup panels– scattered across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wished to like the adaptability, but everything concerning the individual experience made me seem like I needed a programmer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t picture what it’s like for somebody just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that start accumulating. I observed random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery charges via Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method less reliability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Certified Lunch N Learn.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you understand just how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, building depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work get purged down the drain.
That’s exactly what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your track record, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t flashy, however it was solid. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– look at the real cost.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” actually suggests.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Find people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a platform that in fact works the means it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So prior to you study a major movement– or worse, persuade your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the difficult questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned as well tough to build something great. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.