So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you have actually seen the radiant reviews. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it might change your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Is GoHighLevel Trustworthy.
I get it. The pledge is tempting: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of simplifying everything under one roofing sounds like a productivity desire. However let me quit you right there … because I fell for the hype. And I desire somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this write-up, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of a ride with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, money, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Considered GoHighLevel
You ever before get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your preferred set of footwear suddenly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be precise. And truthfully, it functioned wonderful.
I suggest, Keap took care of every little thing: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my organization. Certain, it had not been best, however it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of shiny things syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are buzzing about a “game-changer,” you start asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Price of Changing: What It Actually Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology stack is harsh. I desire I can tell you I just clicked a button and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a look of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a loads automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used close to 40 hours adjusting setups and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the mental power it sucked out of me. You recognize that worn down, brain-fried feeling after looking at your display for as well long? That was my life for 2 weeks right.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When It All Started Breaking Down
Initially, it resembled points were working. Automations were firing. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I woke up to a headache: 171 emails had been sent to the wrong team of calls. Totally unimportant material. 3 days in a row. And not the same individuals either– different sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore via the automation settings, removed and reconstructed sequences, even reached out to sustain. Their action? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No seriousness. No liability. And the e-mails simply kept going out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered excessive to take the chance of an additional screw-up.
Poor UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you an image. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Other than now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position nobody would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also get me started. You have to gain access to three different setup panels– scattered throughout the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. I wished to enjoy the adaptability, yet whatever regarding the individual experience made me seem like I required a developer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it’s like for someone simply getting going.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per email you send out via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sly little fees that begin piling up. I saw random $10 costs turning up– after that $20 … after that $50. Turns out, I was racking up distribution fees with Mailgun, their e-mail company.
So what appeared like a cost effective, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and getting way less reliability in return.
That felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Is GoHighLevel Trustworthy.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of sort of e-mail marketing, you know how crucial deliverability is. You invest years supporting your listing, building depend on, make improvements subject lines. So when your open prices hand over a high cliff, it’s like watching your effort get flushed away.
That’s specifically what took place when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domain names, heated up IPs– you call it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability tools (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I pulled the plug and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Make use of GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I would not suggest it. Not if you’re looking for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your reputation, your client experience, your profits.
However if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Test everything. Do not thoughtlessly trust the hype.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Right here’s the truth no one tells you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what jobs– unless there’s a great reason to switch over.
Keap had not been fancy, but it was solid. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness defeats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Frankenstein platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Don’t fall for low prices– consider the real expense.
Review the small print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “limitless” actually suggests.
4. Watch out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies available? They’re from affiliates attempting to rack up a commission. Discover individuals with nothing to acquire.
5. Listen to your gut.
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 trying to find a system that actually functions the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Remarkable automation, strong deliverability, and excellent assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent task administration tools for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, however excellent for client collaboration and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super tidy, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it worked perfectly, I ‘d probably be their largest cheerleader. Yet it really did not. And I can’t act or else.
So before you dive into a major migration– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the tough inquiries. And take into consideration whether the “all-in-one” dream deserves the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked as well tough to develop something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to devices that just function.