So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the beautiful evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Roofing Snapshot.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of streamlining everything under one roofing system sounds like an efficiency desire. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire a person had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your favored pair of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I suggest, Keap took care of everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Sure, it had not been ideal, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming about a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s entire tech stack is harsh. I desire I could inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Started Falling Apart
At first, it looked like points were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
After that– chaos.
One early morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of calls. Entirely unnecessary content. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, erased and rebuilt series, also reached out to sustain. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered way too much to risk one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no one would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You have to access 3 different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furniture without guidelines. I intended to love the adaptability, yet every little thing about the user experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it resembles for someone just getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs via Mailgun, their email provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Roofing Snapshot.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of type of email marketing, you know just how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, constructing depend on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it’s like seeing your hard work obtain purged away.
That’s exactly what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much support), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the fact no person informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was solid. That deserves greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– check out the real expense.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly implies.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A lot of the glowing testimonies around? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Discover people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a system that really works the means it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project monitoring devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your clients to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve worked also difficult to build something wonderful. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to tools that simply work.