So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out how it could change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel OAuth 2.0 API.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing everything under one roof seems like a performance dream. Yet let me quit you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I want a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something new? Like when your preferred set of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what occurred 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 indicate, Keap handled everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my service. Sure, it had not been ideal, however it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire tech pile is harsh. I want I can inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a dozen automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Entirely unimportant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same people either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, erased and restored sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered way too much to risk one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no one would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me started. You have to gain access to three different setup panels– spread across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to like the versatility, yet whatever regarding the individual experience made me seem like I needed a developer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t envision what it’s like for somebody just getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that begin accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 costs appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery fees with Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what resembled an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting method less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel OAuth 2.0 API.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, constructing trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your track record, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the fact no one informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was solid. That deserves more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– check out the real expense.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” truly implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies around? They’re from associates trying to rack up a payment. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a system that actually functions the means it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task management devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for customer collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their greatest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can not make believe or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned too hard to construct something fantastic. 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.