So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it can change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Chase Buckner.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of improving every little thing under one roof covering sounds like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the buzz. And I wish somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I indicate, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t best, but it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You recognize that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
At first, it resembled things were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent to the wrong group of get in touches with. Entirely irrelevant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and restored series, even connected to support. Their reaction? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered too much to run the risk of another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position nobody would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You need to gain access to 3 different configuration panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wanted to love the versatility, yet every little thing concerning the customer experience made me feel like I needed a programmer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can not visualize what it’s like for a person just getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that start piling up. I discovered random $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment fees with Mailgun, their email provider.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method much less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Chase Buckner.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your listing, developing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it’s like 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 barely scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not advise it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, however it was solid. That deserves more than any kind of new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– consider the real price.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Locate people with nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a system that actually works the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project administration tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however great for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their largest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too hard to build something terrific. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to tools that just function.