So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Mobile App.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering seems like an efficiency desire. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I want someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I suggest, Keap handled whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was dependable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I want I can inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Completely pointless web content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation settings, erased and reconstructed series, even connected to sustain. Their reaction? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to risk an additional screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me started. You have to accessibility 3 different arrangement panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to like the flexibility, yet every little thing regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t picture what it resembles for someone just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery charges with Mailgun, their e-mail carrier.
So what looked like a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Mobile App.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you understand just how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, developing depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– whenever.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for low cost– consider the actual cost.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” really indicates.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies around? They’re from associates trying to score a commission. Find people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that actually functions the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task administration tools for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, but excellent for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their biggest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t act or else.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked as well tough to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that just function.