So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel For Dealership.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering sounds like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I wish someone had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of shoes suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I indicate, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was reliable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I wish I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
In the beginning, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely irrelevant material. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed series, even connected to support. Their feedback? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered too much to risk an additional error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You need to accessibility three various arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without directions. I wanted to like the flexibility, however everything regarding the individual experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for several 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 e-mail you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that start piling up. I observed random $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution fees via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Dealership.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, constructing trust, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a cliff, it’s like watching your effort get purged away.
That’s exactly what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Don’t blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the reality no person tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, but it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– whenever.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for low prices– consider the genuine cost.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” really indicates.
4. Watch out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a platform that actually works the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Amazing automation, strong deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task monitoring tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for customer collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the difficult concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked too tough to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to devices that just function.