So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the glowing evaluations. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Reporting and Analytics.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roofing system sounds like an efficiency dream. However let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I want someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned great.
I imply, Keap dealt with everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t excellent, but it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming 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 reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours fiddling with setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it drew out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for also long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
At first, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary web content. Three days straight. And not the same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and restored series, also reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails simply maintained going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered too much to take the chance of an additional screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Simple task, 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 no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You have to accessibility 3 different configuration panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wished to love the versatility, but whatever regarding the individual experience made me seem like I required a designer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery costs through Mailgun, their email company.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting way much less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Reporting and Analytics.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you understand exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, building trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your effort obtain purged down the drain.
That’s precisely what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the fact nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, yet it was solid. That deserves more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– each time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to low prices– consider the actual price.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really means.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials available? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Find individuals with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a system that really functions the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however wonderful for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their largest supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can not claim otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked as well tough to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to tools that simply function.