So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the beautiful testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel URL Parameters.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of simplifying whatever under one roofing system seems like an efficiency desire. Yet let me quit you right there … since I fell for the hype. And I want somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and said: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 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 get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked wonderful.
I indicate, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it had not been best, but it was trustworthy. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology pile is brutal. I wish I might tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (manually).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological energy it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after looking at your screen for as well long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Started Breaking Down
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect team of contacts. Completely pointless material. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, even connected to support. Their action? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No responsibility. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered way too much to take the chance of an additional error.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position nobody would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You have to accessibility three different setup panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furniture without guidelines. I wanted to like the flexibility, yet whatever regarding the customer experience made me seem like I needed a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t envision what it resembles for somebody just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs via Mailgun, their e-mail service provider.
So what looked like a cost effective, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining method less integrity in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel URL Parameters.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you recognize how crucial deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, developing depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get purged away.
That’s precisely what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, confirmed domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use 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 online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Right here’s the truth no person informs you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to change.
Keap had not been showy, however it was solid. That deserves greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– every time.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to low cost– look at the real cost.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” really implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the glowing endorsements around? They’re from associates attempting to score a commission. Find individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a platform that really works the means it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Amazing automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task monitoring tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but great for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the difficult concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked as well hard to build something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick to tools that just function.