So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Do Not Disturb (DND).
I get it. The promise is appealing: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roofing system seems like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the hype. And I wish somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your preferred set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned great.
I suggest, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I wish I can inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Completely unimportant web content. 3 days straight. And not the very same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, also reached out to support. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails just kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to run the risk of another error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to access 3 different setup panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to like the flexibility, but whatever regarding the customer 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 constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not picture what it resembles for somebody simply getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t advertise plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little costs that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery fees with Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what looked like a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting means much less integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Do Not Disturb (DND).
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, constructing trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates leave a cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed away.
That’s exactly what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your online reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’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 very good reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was solid. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– whenever.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– take a look at the real expense.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really suggests.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the glowing testimonies available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Discover people with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re trying to find a system that actually works the way it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t make believe or else.
So before you study a full-blown movement– or worse, encourage your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned too hard to develop something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.