So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Discount Code.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering seems like an efficiency dream. However let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I wish someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your preferred set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I mean, Keap managed whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole tech stack is harsh. I wish I might tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a peek of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from square one– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the psychological power it drew out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for also long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– chaos.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary web content. 3 days straight. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt series, also connected to sustain. Their feedback? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to risk one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You have to accessibility three different setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wanted to love the versatility, but everything concerning the user experience made me feel like I needed a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not visualize what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that start piling up. I discovered random $10 fees appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery fees with Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what resembled a cost effective, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater 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 Discount Code.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of type of e-mail marketing, you understand just how crucial deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, building depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work get flushed down the tubes.
That’s precisely what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your customer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, but it was strong. That deserves greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– whenever.
An instinctive 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 real expense.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” actually indicates.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a compensation. Locate individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a platform that really works the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task administration devices for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their greatest cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So before you study a full-scale movement– or worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the difficult questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too tough to construct something terrific. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.