So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review just how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Spotlight Sessions.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of simplifying every little thing under one roof seems like a performance dream. But let me stop you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I wish someone had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I imply, Keap managed every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny things 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 losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I wish I can tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental energy it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for too long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Began Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong group of contacts. Completely unnecessary content. Three days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, erased and rebuilt series, even connected to support. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the emails just kept going out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to take the chance of another error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to accessibility 3 different arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without directions. I wanted to like the versatility, but every little thing regarding the individual experience made me feel like I required a designer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was battling, I can’t picture what it’s like for someone simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t advertise plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring delivery charges via Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Spotlight Sessions.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize how essential deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, building trust, 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 specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re looking for something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the truth no person tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap had not been showy, however it was strong. That deserves more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for affordable price– look at the real cost.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “endless” truly suggests.
4. Watch out for biased evaluations.
A great deal of the radiant reviews available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Find people with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a platform that actually functions the method it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Fantastic automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job monitoring tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however terrific for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked as well hard to build something great. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.