So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Review exactly how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Is ClickFunnels Better Than GoHighLevel.
I get it. The assurance is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of enhancing whatever under one roofing system seems like an efficiency dream. Yet let me quit you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire someone had ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from hopeful starts to a total 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this initial. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever get that crave something new? Like when your favored set of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– five, to be exact. And honestly, it worked fantastic.
I mean, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my service. Certain, it wasn’t perfect, but it was trustworthy. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, but it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin eyeing the showy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you recognize specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS bloggers are humming concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Changing: What It Really Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire technology pile is harsh. I wish I might tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the mental energy it drew out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for too long? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Crumbling
In the beginning, it looked like things were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– disorder.
One early morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Totally unimportant content. 3 days straight. And not the exact same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and reconstructed sequences, also connected to sustain. Their action? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the emails simply kept going out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Easy task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no one would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me started. You need to gain access to three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It seemed like putting together IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to like the versatility, but every little thing about the customer experience made me feel like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was battling, I can’t envision what it resembles for someone just getting started.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little charges that start piling up. I observed arbitrary $10 fees popping up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was racking up delivery charges with Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what resembled a budget-friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting method much less integrity in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Is ClickFunnels Better Than GoHighLevel.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Last lick
If you do any sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize how vital deliverability is. You spend years supporting your list, developing depend on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it resembles viewing your effort get purged away.
That’s exactly what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scraping 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, confirmed domains, heated up IPs– you call it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I could not justify staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, user-friendly, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your client experience, your bottom line.
Yet if you’re still curious, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the reality no one tells you when you’re going after the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great factor to change.
Keap wasn’t flashy, but it was solid. That deserves greater than any kind of new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t succumb to affordable price– check out the actual price.
Review the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” truly indicates.
4. Look out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the beautiful testimonials out there? They’re from affiliates trying to score a commission. Locate people with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re seeking a system that actually works the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and terrific assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with wonderful task management tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a refined UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however wonderful for client collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, extremely streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to everything. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their largest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-blown movement– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the tough inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also hard to construct something terrific. Do not risk it on a system that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with devices that simply function.