So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review how it might change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel UTM Parameters.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of enhancing every little thing under one roof covering seems like an efficiency desire. But let me stop you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I want someone had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an adventure 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, cash, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of footwear suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be exact. And honestly, it functioned great.
I suggest, Keap handled every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t best, yet it was reliable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Switching: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire technology stack is brutal. I desire I could tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I told myself, “This discomfort will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Entirely unnecessary material. Three days straight. And not the exact same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation settings, erased and rebuilt sequences, also reached out to support. Their reaction? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered excessive to risk an additional error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Irritation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in places no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You need to accessibility 3 various setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without instructions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, but every little thing regarding the user experience made me feel like I needed a designer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can not picture what it’s like for somebody simply getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little costs that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution charges via Mailgun, their email provider.
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 obtaining way less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel UTM Parameters.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any kind of kind of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building depend on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a cliff, it’s like seeing your effort obtain purged away.
That’s precisely what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And considering that GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much support), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the fact no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap had not been flashy, but it was strong. That deserves greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– each time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to small cost– look at the genuine cost.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” actually means.
4. Look out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a payment. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that in fact functions the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic project monitoring devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your clients to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well tough to build something terrific. Do not risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply function.