So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the glowing testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Read how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Content Army.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining whatever under one roof covering seems like an efficiency dream. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I wish someone had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored set of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked fantastic.
I mean, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it had not been best, however it was trustworthy. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology pile is harsh. I wish I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from square one– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological power it sucked out of me. You recognize that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it resembled things were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely pointless web content. Three days straight. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and restored sequences, also connected to sustain. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply maintained going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You need to accessibility 3 different arrangement panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to love the adaptability, however whatever about the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t picture what it’s like for somebody just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send with their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin piling up. I saw random $10 costs turning up– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring shipment charges with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? 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 dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Content Army.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any kind of email marketing, you recognize exactly how essential deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, constructing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– whenever.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to affordable price– take a look at the genuine price.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” really indicates.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Find people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re trying to find a platform that really works the method it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent job management devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So before you study a full-scale movement– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
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 want my two cents? Stick to devices that simply work.