So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it might replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel TikTok Lead Forms.
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 every little thing under one roofing system sounds like a productivity desire. Yet let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I want someone had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure 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 migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite pair of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned great.
I mean, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t excellent, however it was reliable. 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 considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole tech pile is brutal. I desire I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological energy it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Completely irrelevant material. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and restored sequences, also connected to support. Their response? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of an additional error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Aggravation
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to access three various arrangement panels– spread across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to love the versatility, however everything about the individual experience made me feel like I required a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not imagine what it resembles for someone simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send with their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that begin accumulating. I discovered arbitrary $10 charges popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery costs via Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what looked like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel TikTok Lead Forms.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any kind of type of email marketing, you recognize exactly how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it’s like watching your effort get flushed down the tubes.
That’s precisely what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something steady, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the reality no person informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t fancy, but it was solid. That deserves more than any new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– consider the real cost.
Check out the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” really suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the glowing reviews available? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Locate individuals with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that in fact functions the way it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great job monitoring tools for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, yet great for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to every little thing. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can not claim or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked too hard to build something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply work.