So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Number Pool.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving every little thing under one roof covering sounds like a productivity desire. But let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I want a person had grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a total 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 Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of footwear all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it worked excellent.
I suggest, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t best, but it was trusted. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing about 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 Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech pile is brutal. I desire 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 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological energy it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Started Falling Apart
In the beginning, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Totally irrelevant web content. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation setups, erased and reconstructed sequences, even connected to support. Their reaction? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered way too much to take the chance of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You have to accessibility three various setup panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, yet every little thing regarding the individual experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t envision what it’s like for someone simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not market plainly: GoHighLevel fees per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that begin accumulating. I observed random $10 fees popping up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs through Mailgun, their email provider.
So what resembled a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting way less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Number Pool.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any sort of email marketing, you understand how important deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, building count on, adjust subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like watching your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I tweaked subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to switch.
Keap had not been showy, but it was strong. That’s worth more than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– check out the real expense.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” truly suggests.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the glowing endorsements around? They’re from associates trying to rack up a compensation. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a system that really functions the way it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project administration tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for customer cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t claim or else.
So before you study a full-scale migration– or worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also difficult to build something terrific. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just function.