So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Pro SaaS Plan.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving whatever under one roofing system seems like a productivity desire. However let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap handled whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was trustworthy. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire tech pile is ruthless. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological energy it drew out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 emails had been sent out to the incorrect group of contacts. Totally pointless web content. Three days straight. And not the very same people either– different sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and reconstructed series, even reached out to support. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to take the chance of another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Basic job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to accessibility three different configuration panels– spread throughout the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wanted to love the adaptability, yet everything about the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone simply starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send with their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting means less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Pro SaaS Plan.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any kind of type of email marketing, you recognize just how important deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, building depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s exactly what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your credibility, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t blindly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t flashy, however it was solid. That deserves greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– check out the actual cost.
Review the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unlimited” truly means.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a platform that in fact works the way it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project administration tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet fantastic for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their greatest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So prior to you dive into a major migration– or worse, persuade your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the difficult inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned also tough to build something great. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that simply function.