So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the beautiful evaluations. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review just how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) How To Migrate Your Online Course From Kajabi To GoHighLevel.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the concept of simplifying whatever under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. Yet let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had actually 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 confident starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something new? Like when your favorite set of shoes instantly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be exact. And truthfully, it worked great.
I suggest, Keap took care of everything: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the method I ran my business. Certain, it had not been excellent, yet it was reputable. Like an excellent old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it gets you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
Due to shiny item disorder. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize precisely what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your company’s whole tech pile is brutal. I wish I could tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Rebuilt a lots automations from square one– points like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not fail to remember the mental energy it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for also long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Falling Apart
At first, it appeared like points were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I breathed out a little.
After that– chaos.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had actually been sent to the incorrect group of calls. Totally pointless web content. Three days in a row. And not the same individuals either– various sets each time. I was frightened.
I tore through the automation setups, deleted and restored series, even connected to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered way too much to risk another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Easy task, right? Other than currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in places nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You need to gain access to three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to enjoy the versatility, but whatever concerning the individual experience made me feel like I needed a designer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can not imagine what it resembles for somebody simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not market clearly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that begin accumulating. I noticed arbitrary $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs with Mailgun, their e-mail provider.
So what appeared like a cost effective, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me How To Migrate Your Online Course From Kajabi To GoHighLevel.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you know how essential deliverability is. You spend years supporting your checklist, building trust fund, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a cliff, it’s like enjoying your effort get flushed down the tubes.
That’s exactly what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And given that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing email roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your track record, your client experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Don’t blindly rely on the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the truth nobody informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great factor to change.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every single time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t succumb to affordable price– consider the actual price.
Check out the small print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unrestricted” really means.
4. Watch out for prejudiced testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful testimonies out there? 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 throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that in fact functions the method it assures, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Amazing automation, strong deliverability, and wonderful support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific task management tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Suitable if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, yet terrific for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d probably be their largest cheerleader. Yet it didn’t. And I can’t pretend otherwise.
So before you study a full-blown movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned as well tough to construct something fantastic. Don’t risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.