So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Funnel AI.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing system sounds like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I want somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I mean, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, but it was reliable. Like a good 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 considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire technology stack is ruthless. I wish I can tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for also long? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like things were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely pointless content. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and reconstructed series, also connected to support. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the emails just kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You need to gain access to three different setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I intended to love the flexibility, however everything regarding the user experience made me seem like I needed a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it resembles for somebody just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 fees appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution charges with Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what appeared like a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Funnel AI.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, building depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it resembles enjoying your effort obtain purged away.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 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 since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the fact no person informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch.
Keap had not been showy, however it was solid. That’s worth greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for small cost– check out the genuine cost.
Read the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” actually means.
4. Look out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a compensation. Locate individuals with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a system that really works the way it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project monitoring devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however great for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can not act or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the difficult inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too hard to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to devices that just function.