So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Open Source.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering seems like a performance dream. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I wish a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of footwear all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it worked excellent.
I suggest, Keap took care of whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my business. Certain, it had not been perfect, but it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech pile is harsh. I desire I could tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Restore a loads automations from square one– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
Initially, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong team of get in touches with. Completely pointless material. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, erased and reconstructed series, even reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Basic job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to accessibility three various setup panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the flexibility, yet everything concerning the user experience made me seem like I required a designer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can’t picture what it’s like for a person just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that begin accumulating. I observed random $10 charges turning up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees through Mailgun, their email company.
So what resembled a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method much less reliability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Open Source.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, building count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your effort obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, however it was strong. That’s worth more than any new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– look at the actual price.
Review the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” truly suggests.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews available? They’re from associates trying to score a commission. Locate people with nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that really functions the way it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful job management devices for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their biggest cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you study a full-blown movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned as well difficult to develop something wonderful. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just function.