So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Developer.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining whatever under one roofing seems like an efficiency desire. However let me quit you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your preferred set of footwear all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked terrific.
I imply, Keap dealt with whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, however it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech stack is harsh. I wish I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Restore a lots automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Breaking Down
In the beginning, it appeared like things were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Entirely pointless content. 3 days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt sequences, even connected to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails just kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered excessive to risk one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You need to accessibility 3 various setup panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to love the flexibility, yet whatever regarding the user experience made me feel like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t picture what it’s like for somebody simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that start piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution fees via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method much less dependability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Developer.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how important deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it resembles seeing your effort get flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– look at the real price.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly indicates.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a commission. Locate people with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that in fact functions the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task management devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for customer collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can not act or else.
So before you study a full-scale migration– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked too difficult to construct something fantastic. 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 work.