So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Reputation Center.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing everything under one roofing sounds like an efficiency dream. But let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I indicate, Keap took care of every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my service. Certain, it had not been excellent, however it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s entire technology stack is harsh. I desire I can inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not forget the mental power it drew out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I got up to a headache: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Entirely irrelevant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt sequences, also connected to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails just maintained 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 Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position nobody would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. You need to access 3 various configuration panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to love the versatility, yet whatever concerning the customer experience made me seem like I needed a developer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can not picture what it resembles for somebody just getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs turning up– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment fees via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what looked like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining way less integrity in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Reputation Center.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your listing, constructing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it resembles watching your hard work obtain flushed down the drain.
That’s specifically what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the reality nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, yet it was strong. That deserves more than any type of new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– look at the actual expense.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” really means.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the glowing testimonies around? They’re from affiliates trying to score a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a platform that actually functions the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic project management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet great for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So before you dive into a major migration– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also difficult to construct something wonderful. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick to devices that simply work.