So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel LevelUp Summit.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining whatever under one roof covering sounds like a performance desire. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored set of footwear instantly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I suggest, Keap dealt with everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it had not been ideal, however it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny things disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole tech stack is brutal. 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 look of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect team of calls. Entirely unimportant web content. Three days straight. And not the very same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt sequences, also connected to sustain. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails just kept going out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to run the risk of one more error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to access 3 different setup panels– scattered across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to love the adaptability, however every little thing about the customer experience made me feel like I needed a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t picture what it resembles for a person simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that start accumulating. I noticed random $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment costs with Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel LevelUp Summit.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you recognize how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, developing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the reality no one informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to change.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was solid. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– look at the genuine price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” really indicates.
4. Look out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing reviews out there? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a compensation. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that actually works the means it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
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 quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for customer partnership and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a major migration– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked as well hard to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to tools that simply work.