So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Features.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roofing system seems like an efficiency desire. However let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the hype. And I wish somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked great.
I indicate, Keap managed whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, however it was trustworthy. 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 start eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire technology stack is harsh. I want I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glance of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I got up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Completely unnecessary content. Three days straight. And not the same individuals either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt series, even reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of another error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You have to access 3 different arrangement panels– scattered across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, but every little thing about the user experience made me seem like I needed a designer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs turning up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees through Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less reliability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Features.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you understand how essential deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, constructing trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it resembles viewing your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your track record, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the truth no person informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to small cost– take a look at the genuine expense.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” truly suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonies around? They’re from associates attempting to score a compensation. Locate people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a platform that in fact functions the method it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Amazing automation, strong deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for customer collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can not claim otherwise.
So before you study a full-blown migration– or worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked too tough to develop something excellent. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to devices that just function.