So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it can change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel VoIP integration.
I get it. The promise is appealing: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of enhancing everything under one roof covering seems like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I want somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favored set of shoes all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I would certainly been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked excellent.
I imply, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my company. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you begin wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Rate of Changing: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology stack is harsh. I desire I could tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Restore a dozen automations from scratch– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological power it sucked out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried feeling after staring at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Started Falling Apart
At first, it resembled points were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One early morning I awakened to a problem: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Entirely irrelevant material. Three days in a row. And not the exact same people either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation settings, removed and rebuilt series, even connected to sustain. Their response? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to take the chance of another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You have to gain access to three various configuration panels– spread across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to like the flexibility, yet everything about the customer experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for years. If I was battling, I can not visualize what it’s like for somebody simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little costs that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution fees through Mailgun, their email company.
So what appeared like an inexpensive, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting means much less dependability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel VoIP integration.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you understand how crucial deliverability is. You invest years supporting your listing, constructing trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like seeing your effort get flushed away.
That’s exactly what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the truth no one informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to change.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for low cost– check out the actual expense.
Read the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” actually implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the radiant testimonials available? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a payment. Discover people with 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 Think About
If you’re looking for a system that actually functions the way it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful job monitoring tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet excellent for client cooperation and task tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, extremely structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their biggest cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked also hard to construct something excellent. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply work.