So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the beautiful evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Overview.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of improving everything under one roofing sounds like a performance desire. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I desire a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned terrific.
I indicate, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it had not been ideal, however it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology stack is brutal. I wish I might tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological power it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
At first, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely irrelevant content. 3 days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and reconstructed sequences, even connected to sustain. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to risk one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no person would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You need to access 3 various setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to like the versatility, however every little thing concerning the individual experience made me feel like I required a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can not picture what it resembles for somebody just getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment fees via Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what appeared like a budget friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less dependability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Overview.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you recognize exactly how vital deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, constructing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it’s like viewing your hard work obtain flushed away.
That’s precisely what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies 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 suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the reality no one tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every single time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– check out the actual expense.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies available? They’re from affiliates trying to score a payment. Discover individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a platform that in fact works the means it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet wonderful for customer collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to every little thing. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So before you study a full-scale migration– or worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned too hard to develop something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that just function.