So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Read just how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) GoHighLevel Weekly Roundup.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof covering sounds like an efficiency desire. However let me quit you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I wish somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Considered GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of footwear unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you might remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it functioned fantastic.
I imply, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, yet it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the fancy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny 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 teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demonstrations and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire tech stack is harsh. I wish I could inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a peek of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Restore a lots automations from scratch– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for also long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I awakened to a headache: 171 emails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of get in touches with. Totally unimportant web content. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, even connected to support. Their response? “Server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My target market mattered excessive to risk one more screw-up.
Negative UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me paint you an image. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You have to access three various setup panels– spread across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to like the adaptability, but every little thing regarding the customer experience made me feel like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can’t envision what it resembles for someone just starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t promote clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out with their system.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start piling up. I saw arbitrary $10 costs appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery charges through Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what appeared like an affordable, flat-rate system? 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 really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Weekly Roundup.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of kind of email marketing, you understand exactly how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, developing trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work obtain flushed away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at stake– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
However if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the truth nobody tells you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a very good reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t flashy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every time.
An instinctive tool that does 80% well is better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for affordable price– take a look at the genuine cost.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability costs. Know what “unlimited” really indicates.
4. Look out for prejudiced testimonials.
A great deal of the beautiful endorsements around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Discover individuals with absolutely nothing to get.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re searching for a platform that in fact functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful project management devices for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but excellent for customer collaboration and task tracking.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it worked faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant cheerleader. However it didn’t. And I can not make believe otherwise.
So before you study a major movement– or worse, persuade your clients to do the same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned too hard to build 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 just function.