So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the beautiful reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Gym Playbook.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of simplifying every little thing under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favored pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it worked great.
I indicate, Keap managed every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my service. Sure, it had not been best, yet it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire technology stack is ruthless. I want I can 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 actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental power it drew out of me. You recognize that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Completely irrelevant material. 3 days straight. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and reconstructed series, also connected to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of another screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You need to gain access to three different setup panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I wanted to love the versatility, yet everything concerning the user experience made me seem like I required a developer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not visualize what it’s like for someone just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery costs through Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what appeared like 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 way less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Gym Playbook.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any sort of email marketing, you recognize how crucial deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, constructing trust fund, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it’s like watching your effort get purged away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was strong. That deserves greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– check out the real expense.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” really indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Find people with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that really works the means it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too hard to construct something excellent. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just function.