So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel HIPAA Cost.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roof sounds like an efficiency dream. But let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I want someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear instantly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I indicate, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my company. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was dependable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about 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?
As a result of glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire technology pile is ruthless. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental energy it drew out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for as well long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the wrong group of contacts. Completely pointless content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, also connected to support. Their response? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You have to accessibility 3 various setup panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to love the versatility, yet every little thing about the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it resembles for somebody simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment fees through Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting means much less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel HIPAA Cost.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any sort of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how crucial deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, developing trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain purged away.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t validate staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your track record, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the fact no one informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was solid. That’s worth more than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– every single time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– consider the real expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” actually implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A lot of the beautiful reviews available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Locate people with nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a system that really functions the means it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, strong deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-blown movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned also tough to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just function.