So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Marketers Toolkit.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. However let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your favored set of footwear all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I suggest, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it had not been perfect, but it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole tech pile is ruthless. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glance of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect group of calls. Totally unnecessary content. Three days straight. And not the exact same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, deleted and reconstructed series, even connected to support. Their action? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of one more screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You need to accessibility 3 different setup panels– spread throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to enjoy the flexibility, but every little thing concerning the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it resembles for someone just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send through their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that start accumulating. I noticed random $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Marketers Toolkit.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand how essential deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, constructing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like seeing your effort obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your track record, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the fact nobody informs you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, however it was solid. That deserves greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– consider the real cost.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” actually implies.
4. Look out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant reviews available? They’re from associates trying to rack up a payment. Find people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that actually functions the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Remarkable automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but wonderful for customer collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their biggest supporter. But it really did not. And I can not act or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or worse, encourage your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too difficult to construct something terrific. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with devices that just work.