So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Email Builder.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of streamlining whatever under one roofing seems like an efficiency dream. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I want somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I indicate, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, yet it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I wish I might inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like things were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Totally pointless content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt sequences, also connected to support. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to run the risk of another error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me began. You have to access three different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to love the adaptability, however everything concerning the individual experience made me feel like I needed a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone just getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send through their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that start accumulating. I discovered random $10 costs popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment fees via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what resembled an affordable, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less integrity in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Email Builder.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it resembles viewing your hard work get purged down the tubes.
That’s exactly what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to change.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– whenever.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low prices– consider the actual expense.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unlimited” truly indicates.
4. Watch out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from associates trying to rack up a payment. Locate individuals with nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a system that really works the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task management tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however excellent for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to everything. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their greatest supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So before you dive into a major migration– or worse, encourage your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked as well difficult to build something great. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to tools that simply function.