So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the radiant reviews. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) GoHighLevel Vs Jobber.
I get it. The pledge is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining everything under one roof covering seems like a productivity desire. However let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the hype. And I want somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously taking into consideration making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked fantastic.
I suggest, Keap took care of everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, however it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s entire technology pile is harsh. I desire I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You understand that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled things were working. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong group of calls. Entirely irrelevant material. Three days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and restored series, also connected to support. Their feedback? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the emails just maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to risk another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Simple job, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no one would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to accessibility 3 different arrangement panels– scattered across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It felt like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to love the versatility, however every little thing regarding the individual experience made me seem like I needed a designer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can not imagine what it’s like for a person simply beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not promote plainly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little fees that begin accumulating. I discovered random $10 charges appearing– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution fees with Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting means much less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs Jobber.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last lick
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you know how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, building count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices leave a high cliff, it resembles enjoying your hard work obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing email live roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your track record, your client experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the reality no one informs you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s a very good factor to change.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every single time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to affordable price– look at the actual cost.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “endless” really suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies around? They’re from associates attempting to rack up a compensation. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re seeking a system that really functions the way it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet great for customer partnership and task tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to every little thing. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest supporter. However it really did not. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So before you study a major movement– or even worse, encourage your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the difficult concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned too tough to construct something wonderful. 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.