So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Quiz Builder.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of simplifying every little thing under one roof sounds like an efficiency dream. Yet let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I wish someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favored pair of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap dealt with every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my company. Certain, it had not been excellent, but it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech pile is brutal. I want I could inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Crumbling
At first, it appeared like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– mayhem.
One early morning I got up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Entirely irrelevant material. Three days straight. And not the exact same individuals either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, erased and restored sequences, even reached out to support. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to risk an additional error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me started. You have to gain access to three various arrangement panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the versatility, but everything about the customer experience made me feel like I required a developer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it’s like for a person simply getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that begin piling up. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery charges with Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Quiz Builder.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you understand how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, constructing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like viewing your hard work get purged down the tubes.
That’s exactly what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your reputation, your customer 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 Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the reality nobody tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a very good reason to change.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was strong. That deserves more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– consider the genuine price.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “endless” really indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful testimonies out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that actually functions the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great job management devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for client cooperation and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d probably be their greatest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can not claim otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to develop something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.