So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Trial Empire1.
I get it. The promise is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of simplifying every little thing under one roofing system sounds like a productivity desire. But let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap dealt with whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Sure, it had not been excellent, however it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole technology pile is ruthless. I want I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting settings and screening 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 screen for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Crumbling
At first, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Completely pointless content. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation setups, erased and reconstructed sequences, even reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the e-mails just maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to take the chance of one more screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position no one would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. You need to gain access to 3 different configuration panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the adaptability, yet whatever about the user experience made me seem like I needed a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was struggling, I can’t visualize what it’s like for someone just getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start accumulating. I noticed random $10 costs turning up– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery costs via Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting means much less integrity in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Trial Empire1.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you understand just how essential deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, constructing trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it resembles seeing your effort get flushed away.
That’s exactly what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your track record, your client experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the truth no one informs you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a very good reason to change.
Keap wasn’t flashy, however it was solid. That’s worth greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not fall for low prices– check out the actual cost.
Review the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly implies.
4. Look out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a commission. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a system that in fact functions the way it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic project administration tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however wonderful for client collaboration and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant supporter. But it didn’t. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So before you dive into a major migration– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the difficult inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked as well tough to construct something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that just function.