So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Coaching Snapshot.
I get it. The guarantee is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving every little thing under one roofing sounds like a productivity desire. Yet let me stop you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I desire a person had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked excellent.
I imply, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my company. Certain, it had not been ideal, but it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s whole technology stack is harsh. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental energy it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect team of calls. Totally unnecessary material. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation settings, deleted and restored sequences, also connected to support. Their feedback? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. 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 crucial. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. You need to accessibility three different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to enjoy the flexibility, yet everything about the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can not visualize what it’s like for somebody just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 charges popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting means less dependability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Coaching Snapshot.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of email marketing, you understand just how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, constructing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your reputation, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was solid. That deserves more than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– take a look at the real price.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly implies.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the radiant reviews around? They’re from affiliates trying to score a compensation. Find individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a system that actually works the means it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project monitoring devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, yet terrific for customer cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their largest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-blown migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned too tough to develop something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.