So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the glowing evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Competitors.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roof sounds like a productivity dream. Yet let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I wish somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked fantastic.
I indicate, Keap took care of every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, yet it was dependable. Like a good 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 flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming about a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech stack is harsh. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
Initially, it resembled points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Entirely pointless content. Three days straight. And not the exact same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and reconstructed sequences, also connected to support. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You need to gain access to 3 different setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the adaptability, however whatever concerning the user experience made me feel like I needed a developer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for someone just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 costs popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery fees through Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what appeared like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Competitors.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand just how vital deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, building trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a cliff, it’s like watching your hard work get flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I tweaked subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the fact no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to 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 type of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for affordable price– take a look at the real expense.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” truly suggests.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the radiant reviews out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Find individuals with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a platform that in fact functions the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, but great for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can’t act or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown movement– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked as well hard to construct something terrific. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.