So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Heard about the all-in-one magic. Read how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Vs Skool.
I get it. The pledge is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of streamlining every little thing under one roof sounds like an efficiency desire. But let me quit you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of frustrations.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at 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 would certainly been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it functioned excellent.
I mean, Keap handled whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my business. Certain, it wasn’t ideal, yet it was reputable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny object syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re losing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your firm’s whole technology stack is brutal. I desire I can inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I in fact underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological power it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Started Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the wrong group of contacts. Entirely pointless material. Three days in a row. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation settings, removed and reconstructed series, even reached out to support. Their feedback? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to run the risk of another screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to tweak a workflow. Basic task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You need to gain access to three different setup panels– scattered across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like putting together IKEA furniture without guidelines. I intended to love the flexibility, but everything regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a programmer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for several years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t imagine what it’s like for someone simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t promote plainly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out via their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was racking up distribution costs through Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what looked like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less dependability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Vs Skool.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Final stroke
If you do any kind of sort of email marketing, you know exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, building trust, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices leave a cliff, it’s like watching your effort obtain flushed away.
That’s specifically what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates fell from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the reality nobody informs you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good factor to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was solid. That deserves greater than any type of new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for small cost– look at the real cost.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “unrestricted” actually indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful reviews around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that actually works the means it promises, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Outstanding automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic task administration tools for small teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, but excellent for customer cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to every little thing. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their biggest supporter. But it really did not. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So before you dive into a full-scale movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the very same– take a breath. Ask the difficult concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually worked too hard to construct something great. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just function.