So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it might replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Getwsodo.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roofing system sounds like a productivity dream. Yet let me stop you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I want a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of footwear all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I imply, Keap took care of everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t best, however it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire technology pile is harsh. I want I could tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental energy it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Crumbling
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Totally irrelevant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the same people either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation setups, erased and rebuilt sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered excessive to risk one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You have to gain access to three various configuration panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to like the flexibility, but everything about the individual experience made me seem like I needed a designer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not visualize what it’s like for somebody simply getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not advertise plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution fees via Mailgun, their email provider.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less dependability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Getwsodo.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of type of e-mail marketing, you understand just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, developing depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like 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 scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth no person tells you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good reason to change.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– consider the real expense.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” truly means.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the radiant endorsements around? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover people with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout 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 actually works the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great job management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, but wonderful for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can not pretend or else.
So prior to you dive into a major movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned also tough to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just work.