So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Read how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Pricing Plans.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of streamlining everything under one roof covering seems like a performance desire. But let me quit you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I desire somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap dealt with everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, yet it was reputable. 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 begin considering the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological power it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled things were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I got up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Entirely pointless web content. Three days straight. And not the very same people either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and restored series, also reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to risk one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Simple task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You need to gain access to 3 different configuration panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to like the adaptability, but whatever regarding the individual experience made me feel like I required a programmer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not picture what it resembles for someone just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that begin piling up. I observed random $10 costs appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery costs through Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Pricing Plans.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any type of sort of email marketing, you know how essential deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, developing trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what happened when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much guidance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– take a look at the actual expense.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” really means.
4. Look out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the radiant reviews out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Locate people with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that really functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful job monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for customer cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the difficult concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked too difficult to develop something great. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply work.