So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Subscription.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of improving every little thing under one roofing system sounds like a productivity dream. However let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I wish somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before get that crave something new? Like when your preferred set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I indicate, Keap managed whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my organization. Certain, it had not been best, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re losing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole tech stack is harsh. I want I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for too long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
Initially, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of contacts. Entirely irrelevant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, also connected to support. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to run the risk of another error.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position nobody would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to accessibility 3 various setup panels– spread across the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, yet everything regarding the customer experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t imagine what it resembles for a person simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin piling up. I saw arbitrary $10 costs turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery costs with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Subscription.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of type of email marketing, you understand how essential deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your listing, constructing count on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re searching for something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your credibility, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the fact no person tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to switch.
Keap had not been flashy, but it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– every single time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to low prices– take a look at the genuine cost.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” actually means.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials around? They’re from associates trying to score a compensation. Find people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that in fact works the way it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task management devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but fantastic for client partnership and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t make believe or else.
So before you dive into a full-scale movement– or even worse, persuade your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the tough questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked also difficult to build something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.