So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel For Property Management.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving every little thing under one roof sounds like a performance desire. Yet let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish a person had ordered 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 enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favored pair of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I indicate, Keap dealt with every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, however it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology stack is harsh. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a peek of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Crumbling
At first, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Entirely irrelevant content. Three days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and restored series, also connected to support. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to risk another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You need to accessibility three different setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to enjoy the versatility, however every little thing about the customer experience made me feel like I required a designer sitting 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 battling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for a person simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t advertise plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that begin piling up. I discovered random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment charges with Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what resembled an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method less dependability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Property Management.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of sort of email marketing, you know how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, constructing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the fact no one informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, but it was solid. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– take a look at the genuine price.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” actually indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the glowing reviews out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a platform that actually works the way it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project monitoring tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their greatest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can not act otherwise.
So before you study a full-scale migration– or worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too difficult to construct something great. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that just work.