So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the beautiful testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it might replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Tasks.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of enhancing whatever under one roofing system sounds like a performance desire. But let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I wish a person had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, 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 get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked fantastic.
I suggest, Keap managed every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology stack is brutal. I desire I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological power it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled things were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect team of contacts. Totally irrelevant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore via the automation setups, removed and restored series, also connected to support. Their response? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered way too much to risk an additional screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Easy job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You have to gain access to 3 various arrangement panels– spread across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wished to like the flexibility, yet whatever regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a designer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t imagine what it resembles for somebody just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little costs that begin accumulating. I saw random $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution charges via Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what looked like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. 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 deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Tasks.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of e-mail marketing, you know just how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates leave a cliff, it’s like viewing your effort get flushed away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t advise it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the fact no person informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every single time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– consider the real cost.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” really indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the radiant reviews available? They’re from affiliates trying to score a compensation. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re trying to find a system that in fact works the method it guarantees, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project administration devices for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t claim or else.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale movement– or even worse, convince your clients to do the very same– breathe. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well tough to construct something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to tools that simply work.