So– you’ve been looking at GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you’ve seen the glowing reviews. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Read exactly how it can replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) Is GoHighLevel Legit.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of simplifying whatever under one roofing system seems like a performance dream. However let me stop you right there … due to the fact that I succumbed to the buzz. And I desire somebody had actually grabbed me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m walking you through my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 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 Also Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred pair of shoes unexpectedly really feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been making use of Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the way I ran my business. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, however it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not extoling it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start considering the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing regarding a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re missing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demonstrations and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Rate of Switching: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s entire technology pile is ruthless. I want I might tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a glance of what I really went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a loads automations from scratch– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And allow’s not neglect the psychological power it drew out of me. You know that worn down, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for also lengthy? That was my life for two weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled points were functioning. Automations were shooting. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I breathed out a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I got up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the wrong group of get in touches with. Completely unnecessary content. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and reconstructed sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Web server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the emails just maintained heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered way too much to run the risk of another screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Fatality by Stress
Let me repaint you a picture. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that don’t make sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not also get me began. You have to gain access to three different setup panels– spread across the user interface– to upgrade a solitary funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furnishings without guidelines. I wished to enjoy the flexibility, yet everything regarding the customer experience made me seem like I needed a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from a person who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can not imagine what it resembles for somebody simply getting going.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not promote clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out through their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little charges that start piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 costs popping up– after that $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees through Mailgun, their e-mail supplier.
So what looked like an affordable, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way less integrity in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Is GoHighLevel Legit.
Email Performance Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you recognize just how essential deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your listing, developing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it resembles viewing your hard work obtain flushed down the tubes.
That’s precisely what happened when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t justify staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your reputation, your consumer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Below’s the truth no one tells you when you’re chasing after the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent reason to switch.
Keap wasn’t showy, but it was strong. That’s worth greater than any type of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats complexity– every time.
An user-friendly device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– check out the actual cost.
Review the fine print. Ask about deliverability charges. Know what “unlimited” really implies.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced reviews.
A lot of the glowing testimonials around? They’re from associates trying to score a payment. Discover individuals with nothing to gain.
5. Pay attention to your intestine.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re seeking a system that really works the means it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Remarkable automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great task administration tools for tiny teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— More project-focused, however fantastic for customer partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to every little thing. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their greatest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t make believe otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale movement– or worse, persuade your customers to do the same– take a breath. Ask the difficult questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned as well tough to build something terrific. Don’t risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you want my 2 cents? Stick with devices that simply work.