So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (sort of) GoHighLevel Xero Integration.
I get it. The guarantee is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving whatever under one roofing system sounds like a productivity dream. Yet let me stop you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I wish somebody had ordered me by the shoulders and stated: “Do not do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favored set of footwear all of a sudden feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And truthfully, it worked excellent.
I imply, Keap managed everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Sure, it had not been perfect, yet it was reputable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the showy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object disorder. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s entire technology stack is ruthless. I desire I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I in fact experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental power it drew out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
At first, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I awakened to a nightmare: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong group of calls. Completely pointless web content. 3 days in a row. And not the exact same individuals either– different batches each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation settings, deleted and restored sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their action? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything vital. My target market mattered too much to run the risk of another error.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to accessibility three different setup panels– spread across the interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to love the versatility, but whatever about the customer experience made me seem like I required a designer sitting next to me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who had actually been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not picture what it’s like for somebody just beginning.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little charges that begin accumulating. I discovered random $10 charges appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees with Mailgun, their email supplier.
So what appeared like an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining means much less dependability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Xero Integration.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any sort of e-mail marketing, you know exactly how important deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your listing, constructing trust fund, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates leave a high cliff, it resembles watching your effort obtain purged away.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t justify 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 trying to find something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still interested, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Discovered (So You Do Not Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the fact no one tells you when you’re going after the following “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to change.
Keap wasn’t fancy, however it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not succumb to low cost– consider the actual price.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” truly means.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the radiant testimonials around? They’re from associates trying to score a commission. Locate individuals with absolutely nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– do not ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that in fact functions the method it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job administration tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, but excellent for customer partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for freelancers and creatives. Super tidy, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the solution to every little thing. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their largest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend or else.
So before you study a major migration– or worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to construct something great. Don’t risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that simply work.