So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighlevel Review.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of streamlining whatever under one roof covering seems like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I desire someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something new? Like when your favored set of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I indicate, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, but it was reliable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire tech pile is brutal. I desire I could inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Restore a loads automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the mental power it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Falling Apart
At first, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– mayhem.
One early morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent to the incorrect group of contacts. Completely unnecessary material. Three days straight. And not the very same people either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and restored sequences, even connected to sustain. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the e-mails just maintained going out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You need to accessibility three various arrangement panels– scattered across the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furniture without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the flexibility, yet everything about the customer experience made me seem like I required a designer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can’t visualize what it resembles for someone simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that start piling up. I saw arbitrary $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution charges with Mailgun, their email company.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighlevel Review.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, constructing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like watching your hard work get purged down the drain.
That’s specifically what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scraping 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 promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your track record, your customer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact nobody informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap had not been flashy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– whenever.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– take a look at the actual cost.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” actually indicates.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the glowing endorsements out there? They’re from associates trying to rack up a payment. Find individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that actually functions the way it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project management tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, but fantastic for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their biggest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can not pretend or else.
So prior to you study a major migration– or worse, convince your clients to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough questions. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too hard to build something terrific. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with devices that simply function.