So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Demo Request.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of simplifying whatever under one roofing system seems like an efficiency dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the hype. And I wish a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I mean, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, yet it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole tech pile is brutal. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it resembled points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Totally unnecessary material. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to sustain. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No responsibility. And the emails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. You need to gain access to 3 different setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to like the adaptability, but everything about the customer experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t picture what it’s like for someone just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that start piling up. I discovered random $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution fees via 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 spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting way much less integrity in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Demo Request.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you know just how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, developing depend on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like viewing your effort get flushed away.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your reputation, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– every time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– check out the genuine expense.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” truly means.
4. Keep an eye out for biased evaluations.
A lot of the glowing reviews around? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Locate individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that actually works the way it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their largest supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t make believe or else.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown migration– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked as well hard to develop something great. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply work.