So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review just how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel For Lawyers.
I get it. The guarantee is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing sounds like a performance dream. Yet let me stop you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I desire a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my organization. Certain, it wasn’t best, however it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s whole technology pile is harsh. I desire I could tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task standing, 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 allow’s not fail to remember the mental energy it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Crumbling
At first, it looked like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary web content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, removed and rebuilt series, also reached out to support. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of another error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You need to access three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to love the flexibility, however everything concerning the individual experience made me seem like I required a developer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment costs via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Lawyers.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a cliff, it’s like viewing your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I ended and returned 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 excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the reality no person informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, yet it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– take a look at the real cost.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” really means.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements around? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that in fact works the way it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful task administration devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for customer collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t make believe or else.
So prior to you dive into a major movement– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned as well hard to build something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply work.