So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review just how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel For Freelancers.
I get it. The guarantee is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of streamlining everything under one roofing seems like a performance dream. Yet let me stop you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I wish a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident starts 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 migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I suggest, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my company. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, however it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology stack is harsh. I wish I might tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not forget the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Falling Apart
Initially, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary content. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, erased and rebuilt series, even connected to sustain. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You have to access three different setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, however everything about the customer experience made me seem like I needed a designer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can not picture what it’s like for someone simply getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin piling up. I discovered random $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution costs through Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what appeared like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting method less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Freelancers.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any kind of sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, developing count on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates leave a cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– take a look at the genuine cost.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” truly means.
4. Watch out for biased reviews.
A lot of the radiant reviews around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Listen 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 searching for a platform that really works the way it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet wonderful for client cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to every little thing. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So before you study a major movement– or worse, convince your customers to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the difficult inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too difficult to develop something fantastic. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.