So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Onboarding Checklist.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of improving every little thing under one roof sounds like an efficiency dream. But let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I want somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned fantastic.
I mean, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, however it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the showy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. 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 wondering if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire technology stack is ruthless. I desire I might tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Crumbling
At first, it resembled things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Totally unimportant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, erased and reconstructed series, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered too much to risk one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Easy job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You need to accessibility three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furniture without directions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, however whatever about the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can not imagine what it’s like for a person just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that start accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 charges popping up– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution fees with Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method less dependability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Onboarding Checklist.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you understand just how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, building count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain flushed away.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, yet it was solid. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for low prices– look at the real price.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced evaluations.
A lot of the beautiful endorsements around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a system that actually works the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project administration tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however great for customer collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their biggest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can’t make believe or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale migration– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked as well hard to develop something fantastic. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just work.