So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel For Digital Marketing.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of improving whatever under one roof sounds like a performance dream. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I want a person had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I indicate, Keap dealt with every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire technology pile is ruthless. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Crumbling
At first, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong group of contacts. Completely unnecessary web content. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and reconstructed series, also reached out to support. Their action? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the emails just kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to gain access to three different arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to like the versatility, but every little thing about the user experience made me feel like I needed a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can’t envision what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that start piling up. I noticed random $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery costs through Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting means much less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Digital Marketing.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, constructing trust fund, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get flushed away.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your customer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– consider the real price.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unlimited” truly suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Find people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that actually works the way it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, but great for customer collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked also hard to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that just work.