So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Listings.
I get it. The guarantee is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of improving every little thing under one roofing system seems like a performance desire. But let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I wish 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 a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I indicate, Keap managed everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it wasn’t best, however it was reliable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny item disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology stack is ruthless. I wish I could inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it appeared like points were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Entirely irrelevant material. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation settings, removed and restored sequences, even connected to support. Their feedback? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of one more error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to accessibility 3 various setup panels– spread across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to like the flexibility, however whatever about the individual experience made me feel like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it resembles for a person simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out through their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery charges via Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting way much less dependability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Listings.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of email marketing, you know exactly how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, building trust fund, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the reality no person informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– every single time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– take a look at the actual expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” truly implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from associates attempting to score a payment. Discover people with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a system that in fact functions the way it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great job monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however wonderful for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-scale movement– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned as well tough to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just work.