So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the radiant reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review how it can change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel UpViral.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of streamlining whatever under one roof sounds like a productivity dream. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I wish a person had gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favored set of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap handled every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was trusted. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s entire technology stack is harsh. I desire I can inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological power it drew out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
Initially, it resembled points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
Then– disorder.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Entirely unimportant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same people either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation setups, erased and reconstructed series, also reached out to support. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered too much to run the risk of an additional screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Easy job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me started. You have to access three different configuration panels– spread across the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I wanted to like the flexibility, but everything about the user experience made me seem like I required a developer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can’t envision what it resembles for a person just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send via their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that begin accumulating. I saw random $10 costs appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment charges through Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method much less dependability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel UpViral.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of sort of email marketing, you understand just how vital deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your listing, constructing trust, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like seeing your hard work obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domains, heated 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 tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your reputation, your client experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re chasing after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– each time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– take a look at the actual expense.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unrestricted” really means.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the radiant testimonials out there? They’re from associates attempting to score a payment. Find people with nothing to acquire.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re searching for a system that in fact works the way it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task monitoring devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, but great for customer partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the difficult concerns. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well difficult to build something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with tools that simply function.