So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant evaluations. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel For SMMA.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roofing system seems like an efficiency desire. But let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I desire someone had grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I mean, Keap managed everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t best, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire technology pile is harsh. I desire I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Breaking Down
At first, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of calls. Totally pointless web content. Three days straight. And not the exact same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation settings, erased and rebuilt series, also reached out to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You need to gain access to 3 various configuration panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to enjoy the versatility, however every little thing about the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can not imagine what it’s like for somebody simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that start piling up. I noticed random $10 costs turning up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees through Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For SMMA.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of kind of email marketing, you understand exactly how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing trust, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it resembles watching your hard work get purged down the drain.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domains, heated 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 support), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the reality no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was solid. That’s worth greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– consider the real expense.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” truly indicates.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a commission. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a system that actually works the way it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task administration devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, but terrific for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you study a major movement– or worse, encourage your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too hard to construct something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that simply function.