So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel For Franchise Sales.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of streamlining everything under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. However let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I suggest, Keap took care of everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech stack is brutal. I desire I can tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I really underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Restore a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Crumbling
Initially, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong team of contacts. Entirely unnecessary web content. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails just kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to risk an additional error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to access three different arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, but everything concerning the individual experience made me seem like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t picture what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that begin accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 fees popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution charges with Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Franchise Sales.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any kind of sort of email marketing, you recognize how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, constructing trust fund, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like seeing your hard work get purged away.
That’s exactly what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was solid. That deserves more than any new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– look at the actual price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” really suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the glowing testimonies available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a compensation. Find individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a platform that really functions the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too difficult to construct something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply work.