So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review just how it could change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel For Wedding Planners.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing sounds like an efficiency dream. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to 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 strolling you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I suggest, Keap took care of whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my organization. Certain, it had not been perfect, but it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole technology stack is ruthless. I want I could tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I really underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from square one– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Entirely irrelevant material. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even obtain me started. You need to accessibility three various configuration panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to enjoy the flexibility, but every little thing concerning the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t imagine what it’s like for someone simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little costs that begin accumulating. I observed random $10 costs popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up shipment charges via Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what resembled a cost effective, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less dependability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel For Wedding Planners.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you understand just how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, constructing trust, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, yet it was strong. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– every time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– look at the real cost.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” actually suggests.
4. Look out for biased evaluations.
A lot of the radiant endorsements out there? They’re from associates attempting to score a payment. Find individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a system that really works the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task monitoring devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, but great for client cooperation and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d probably be their largest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned also difficult to develop something great. Do not risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with devices that simply function.