So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Vs Formaloo.
I get it. The promise is alluring: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof sounds like an efficiency dream. However let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I wish somebody had grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I mean, Keap dealt with whatever: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was trustworthy. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming about a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology pile is harsh. I want I could inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours fiddling with setups and screening workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental power it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your display for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like things were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One early morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Completely unnecessary material. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation settings, erased and restored series, even reached out to sustain. Their reaction? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered excessive to risk an additional error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Easy task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You need to access 3 different arrangement panels– spread throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without guidelines. I wanted to love the adaptability, however whatever regarding the individual experience made me feel like I needed a programmer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can’t picture what it’s like for somebody simply getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that begin accumulating. I saw arbitrary $10 charges popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring shipment costs through Mailgun, their email provider.
So what looked like a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means less dependability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs Formaloo.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any sort of e-mail marketing, you know just how crucial deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it resembles seeing your effort obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s exactly what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not recommend it. Not if you’re trying to find something secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s too much at risk– your credibility, your consumer experience, your profits.
But if you’re still interested, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to switch.
Keap had not been showy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– every time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% badly.
3. Do not fall for low cost– take a look at the genuine price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” actually indicates.
4. Watch out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews available? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a payment. Discover people with nothing to obtain.
5. Pay attention to your gut.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a platform that actually functions the way it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Remarkable automation, strong deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific job administration devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet fantastic for customer cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to everything. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can not make believe or else.
So prior to you study a full-scale migration– or worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You’ve functioned too difficult to build something fantastic. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to devices that just work.