So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the glowing evaluations. 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 SamCart.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving everything under one roofing seems like an efficiency desire. Yet let me quit you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I want somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from confident beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favored set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I imply, Keap managed every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, yet it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I start eyeing the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology stack is harsh. I desire I could inform you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glance of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from square one– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, task standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I told myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Began Falling Apart
Initially, it resembled things were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– disorder.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Totally pointless content. 3 days in a row. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, even reached out to sustain. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No responsibility. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to run the risk of one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a photo. You’re trying to modify a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in places no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also obtain me began. You have to gain access to 3 different arrangement panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the versatility, but every little thing regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t imagine what it resembles for somebody simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin piling up. I saw random $10 costs turning up– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution charges with Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method much less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs SamCart.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you recognize exactly how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your checklist, developing depend on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a cliff, it’s like watching your hard work get purged away.
That’s exactly what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And because GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the fact no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That deserves greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– whenever.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to low prices– look at the actual cost.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” actually suggests.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the glowing endorsements around? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Find individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re trying to find a system that in fact works the way it guarantees, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Amazing automation, solid deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great job administration devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however terrific for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can not claim otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the hard inquiries. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned also difficult to construct something excellent. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.