So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel For Lead Generation.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining everything under one roof covering seems like a performance dream. Yet let me stop you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I desire a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked wonderful.
I imply, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was reliable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And before I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole technology stack is brutal. I desire I could tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glance of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
At first, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Entirely unimportant material. 3 days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed series, also connected to sustain. Their feedback? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. You need to access 3 various setup panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to like the adaptability, however every little thing concerning the individual experience made me feel like I required a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can’t imagine what it resembles for somebody simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that begin accumulating. I observed random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution costs via Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what appeared like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting way much less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Lead Generation.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of sort of email marketing, you know how important deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s exactly what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your track record, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the reality nobody informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to change.
Keap had not been showy, however it was strong. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– every time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– consider the actual price.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” actually implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with 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 trying to find a system that really works the way it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job monitoring devices for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their largest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So before you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned as well hard to construct something great. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that simply work.