So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel SaaS Snapshot.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving everything under one roof covering seems like a performance desire. But let me stop you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I wish someone had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I imply, Keap handled everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it had not been ideal, yet it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech stack is ruthless. I want I can inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental power it drew out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely unimportant material. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation settings, erased and rebuilt series, also reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply maintained going out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered excessive to take the chance of one more error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. You have to gain access to three different configuration panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wanted to enjoy the adaptability, but everything concerning the customer experience made me seem like I needed a designer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not envision what it’s like for somebody just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that begin accumulating. I observed arbitrary $10 charges turning up– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment charges through Mailgun, their email provider.
So what looked 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 way less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel SaaS Snapshot.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of email marketing, you understand just how important deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, constructing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it’s like watching your effort get purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email live roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the reality no person tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, however it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats complexity– every time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for low prices– check out the real expense.
Review the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” really implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonials around? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a system that actually functions the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific job management tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, yet excellent for client cooperation and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their largest supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a major movement– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too hard to build something excellent. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that simply function.