So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the radiant evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Custom Values.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving every little thing under one roofing system seems like a productivity dream. Yet let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it worked great.
I imply, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t best, 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 eyeing the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming about a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole tech pile is harsh. I desire I can tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Falling Apart
At first, it looked like things were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Totally unnecessary content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same people either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt series, also connected to sustain. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to risk another screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to accessibility three different configuration panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to like the adaptability, yet whatever concerning the customer experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can not visualize what it’s like for someone simply getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery fees with Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what appeared like a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Custom Values.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of email marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, constructing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it resembles viewing your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good factor to switch.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– take a look at the real price.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews around? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Locate people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a system that actually works the means it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet terrific for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant supporter. Yet it really did not. And I can not claim otherwise.
So prior to you study a major movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned also difficult to develop something excellent. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to devices that simply function.