So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Conversation AI.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving everything under one roofing system sounds like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I mean, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my company. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire technology pile is brutal. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Crumbling
In the beginning, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
After that– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had actually been sent to the wrong group of contacts. Totally unimportant content. 3 days straight. And not the exact same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, also connected to sustain. Their feedback? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. 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 excessive to risk another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Simple task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. You need to gain access to 3 various setup panels– spread across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without guidelines. I intended to love the versatility, yet every little thing regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it resembles for someone just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that begin accumulating. I saw arbitrary $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees via Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Conversation AI.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of email marketing, you recognize exactly how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, building trust fund, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like viewing your hard work obtain purged away.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your track record, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– consider the actual price.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” actually indicates.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials available? They’re from associates trying to rack up a commission. Locate people with nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that in fact functions the way it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration devices for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their biggest supporter. But it really did not. And I can not claim otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-scale movement– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the difficult inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked also tough to develop something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to tools that just function.