So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the radiant reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel For Affiliate Marketing.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of streamlining everything under one roof sounds like a productivity dream. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish a person had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it functioned wonderful.
I mean, Keap dealt with every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it had not been best, yet it was trustworthy. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole tech pile is ruthless. I desire I could inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I really underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task 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 let’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it appeared like points were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely unimportant web content. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and reconstructed sequences, even connected to sustain. Their response? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No responsibility. And the emails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered excessive to take the chance of another error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You need to accessibility 3 different configuration panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furniture without directions. I wanted to like the versatility, however everything concerning the customer experience made me feel like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it’s like for someone just getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that begin accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up shipment costs through Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what looked like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Affiliate Marketing.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of email marketing, you know just how vital deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, building trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the fact no person tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch.
Keap had not been fancy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– check out the real price.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” truly means.
4. Look out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the glowing endorsements around? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Locate individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that actually functions the method it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project management tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however wonderful for customer collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked as well hard to construct something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just work.