So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it could replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) GoHighLevel Vs SharpSpring.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of streamlining whatever under one roofing system sounds like a productivity dream. However let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I fell for the hype. And I desire someone had gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned fantastic.
I mean, Keap handled everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my business. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy things syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re losing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s whole technology pile is brutal. I want I can inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glimpse of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
In the beginning, it looked like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– chaos.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Entirely unimportant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same people either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt series, also reached out to support. Their feedback? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No accountability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered way too much to run the risk of an additional error.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Aggravation
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Easy job, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You have to access three various configuration panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to love the adaptability, but every little thing concerning the user experience made me seem like I needed a programmer sitting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t picture what it’s like for a person just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little fees that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges popping up– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was racking up shipment costs with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what resembled a cost effective, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs SharpSpring.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you know exactly how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your listing, developing count on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it’s like watching your hard work obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And because GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re trying to find something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your online reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, at least share your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Right here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– each time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not succumb to affordable price– take a look at the real price.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” really implies.
4. Look out for biased evaluations.
A lot of the radiant testimonials around? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a system that in fact functions the way it promises, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task administration tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, yet great for customer collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to whatever. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d possibly be their most significant supporter. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a major 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 is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned also hard to build something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with tools that simply function.