So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Internationalization.
I get it. The guarantee is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of improving everything under one roofing seems like a productivity desire. However let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I desire someone had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked great.
I imply, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech stack is harsh. I wish I can tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the wrong group of get in touches with. Totally unnecessary material. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and restored series, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No responsibility. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to risk one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. You need to accessibility three various setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the adaptability, yet every little thing concerning the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can not envision what it resembles for a person just getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution fees via Mailgun, their email company.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method less dependability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Internationalization.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, developing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the reality nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor 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 Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– look at the genuine price.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” actually means.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the glowing endorsements out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Discover people with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a system that actually functions the method it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task administration tools for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for customer cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d probably be their greatest supporter. However it really did not. And I can’t make believe or else.
So before you study a full-blown migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also hard to construct something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just function.