So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it could change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Lead Forms.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing system seems like an efficiency dream. However let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I want a person had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned great.
I imply, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it had not been excellent, however it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Switching: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire technology pile is brutal. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Restore a lots automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely pointless content. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt sequences, even reached out to support. Their feedback? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to risk another screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple task, 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 rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You have to gain access to three different setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to enjoy the adaptability, but everything regarding the individual experience made me feel like I needed a programmer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for a person simply beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out with their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 fees appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery fees via Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method much less integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Lead Forms.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of email marketing, you understand exactly how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, constructing trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates leave a cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work get purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your track record, your consumer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– whenever.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low prices– check out the real cost.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” actually indicates.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A lot of the glowing endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to score a compensation. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off during 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 functions the way it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project monitoring devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however wonderful for customer cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you study a full-scale migration– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to tools that just function.