So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it might change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (sort of) GoHighLevel Vs ActiveCampaign.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of simplifying everything under one roof covering seems like a productivity dream. But let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the buzz. And I wish a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes all of a sudden really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned wonderful.
I imply, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it had not been excellent, but it was trustworthy. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you require to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire tech stack is harsh. I desire I can tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 calls from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You understand that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Falling Apart
At first, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Entirely unnecessary web content. 3 days straight. And not the exact same people either– various batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation settings, erased and restored sequences, also reached out to support. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered excessive to risk another error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me began. You have to gain access to three different setup panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to like the adaptability, however every little thing about the customer experience made me seem like I required a programmer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually 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
Right here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out through their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin accumulating. I noticed random $10 charges turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up delivery charges via Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and getting method less reliability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs ActiveCampaign.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize how important deliverability is. You invest years supporting your listing, building trust, tweak subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your hard work obtain flushed away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the reality no one tells you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– each time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for low prices– take a look at the actual expense.
Read the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” really means.
4. Watch out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the glowing testimonials out there? They’re from associates trying to score a commission. Locate people with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that actually functions the means it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job monitoring tools for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for client partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant cheerleader. But it didn’t. And I can’t act or else.
So before you dive into a full-blown migration– or worse, encourage your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the difficult concerns. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too hard to build something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to tools that just function.