So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel For Forex.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roof covering seems like a productivity dream. However let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the buzz. And I want somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your preferred set of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked excellent.
I mean, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it had not been ideal, however it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I want I could inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I got up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Completely unnecessary material. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, erased and reconstructed series, even connected to support. Their feedback? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to risk another error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Easy task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You need to gain access to 3 various setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the flexibility, yet whatever concerning the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t imagine what it resembles for a person just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that begin accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 costs turning up– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution charges with Mailgun, their email provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, 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 Forex.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of sort of email marketing, you recognize just how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, constructing depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles viewing your hard work get flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your customer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to change.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every single time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to affordable price– look at the genuine expense.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really indicates.
4. Watch out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover people with nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a system that really works the method it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task management devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t make believe or else.
So before you dive into a major movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned too hard to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just work.