So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the beautiful reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out how it might change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Zapier Integration.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of enhancing every little thing under one roofing seems like an efficiency desire. But let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I want somebody had gotten me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a full 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be exact. And honestly, it worked wonderful.
I indicate, Keap took care of everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the means I ran my service. Sure, it had not been excellent, however it was dependable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it obtains you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Price of Changing: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire tech stack is brutal. I want I might inform you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a glance of what I really underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours fiddling with settings and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological energy it drew out of me. You know that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after looking at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I told myself, “This discomfort will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Began Crumbling
At first, it appeared like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were going out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 emails had been sent out to the wrong team of calls. Completely unimportant web content. Three days straight. And not the very same individuals either– various batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, deleted and rebuilt series, even connected to support. Their reaction? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No liability. And the emails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered excessive to risk another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me repaint you an image. You’re trying to modify 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. Settings are concealed in places no one would logically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to access 3 different arrangement panels– spread throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I intended to love the adaptability, however everything regarding the user experience made me seem like I required a designer resting alongside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can’t envision what it’s like for somebody simply getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they don’t advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send out through their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little costs that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment charges through Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what looked like an economical, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining method much less reliability in return.
That really felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Zapier Integration.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you know exactly how crucial deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, developing trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it resembles watching your hard work get purged down the tubes.
That’s exactly what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I disengaged and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your reputation, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Test everything. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the fact nobody informs you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick to what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to switch over.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– whenever.
An user-friendly tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for low cost– consider the genuine expense.
Check out the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “endless” truly implies.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful reviews out there? They’re from associates trying to rack up a commission. Locate people with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for a platform that really functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top pick. Outstanding automation, solid deliverability, and great support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent project management tools for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however great for customer collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the answer to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d most likely be their greatest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can not pretend otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a major migration– or even worse, convince your clients to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also difficult to develop something terrific. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my 2 cents? Stick to devices that just work.