So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Conference.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving whatever under one roofing system sounds like an efficiency dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the buzz. And I desire a person had grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this article, 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 button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes suddenly feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap took care of every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, yet it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology stack is ruthless. I desire I could tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Falling Apart
At first, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I got up to a headache: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Totally unimportant web content. Three days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails just maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of an additional screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to accessibility three different configuration panels– scattered across the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. I wanted to like the versatility, however whatever about the customer experience made me seem like I needed a programmer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it’s like for someone just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that start accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 charges turning up– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring shipment fees with Mailgun, their email company.
So what resembled an affordable, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting way less integrity in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Conference.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you know exactly how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, constructing count on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it resembles watching your hard work get flushed away.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the reality nobody informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for low cost– take a look at the real price.
Read the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” truly suggests.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the radiant testimonials around? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention 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 seeking a platform that really works the means it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task monitoring tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however excellent for customer partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too hard to develop something terrific. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just work.