So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you’ve seen the beautiful testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Review how it could change your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Launch HighLevel Together.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the idea of enhancing every little thing under one roofing seems like a productivity desire. However let me stop you right there … since I succumbed to the hype. And I desire somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this short article, I’m strolling you through my rollercoaster of an adventure with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a complete 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite pair of footwear instantly feels … boring? That’s what occurred to me. I would certainly been making use of Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for many years– 5, to be specific. And honestly, it worked terrific.
I imply, Keap dealt with whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my organization. Certain, it had not been best, but it was dependable. Like a good old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, but it gets you where you need to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin considering the flashy new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy things disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you understand specifically what I’m talking about. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog writers are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re losing out. And prior to I recognized it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Blunder.
The Cost of Changing: What It Truly Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– migrating your agency’s entire tech stack is harsh. I desire I could tell you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a glimpse of what I actually underwent:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a loads automations from square one– things like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every customer note, job status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected payment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours fiddling with settings and testing workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the mental energy it sucked out of me. You understand that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for too lengthy? That was my life for two weeks right.
I informed myself, “This discomfort will certainly be worth it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Breaking Down
Initially, it looked like things were working. Automations were shooting. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– mayhem.
One morning I woke up to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Totally unimportant material. Three days in a row. And not the very same people either– different sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore with the automation settings, deleted and reconstructed series, even reached out to support. Their response? “Web server issue.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No necessity. No accountability. And the e-mails simply maintained heading out like a rogue robot on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything important. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of an additional error.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Irritation
Let me paint you a picture. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in menus that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are hidden in position no person would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t also obtain me began. You need to gain access to 3 different arrangement panels– spread across the user interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It felt like assembling IKEA furnishings without instructions. I intended to like the adaptability, however every little thing concerning the individual experience made me seem like I required a designer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who had actually been running automations and developing funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can’t envision what it resembles for someone simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that start piling up. I noticed random $10 fees turning up– after that $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring distribution costs via Mailgun, their email carrier.
So what appeared like a budget-friendly, flat-rate system? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and getting way less dependability in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Launch HighLevel Together.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of e-mail marketing, you know how essential deliverability is. You invest years supporting your list, constructing depend on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it resembles watching your hard work get flushed down the drain.
That’s precisely what happened when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I tweaked subject lines, confirmed domain names, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promos folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing e-mail live roulette.
At that point, I could not validate staying. I disengaged and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t recommend it. Not if you’re seeking something steady, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at risk– your reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
Yet if you’re still curious, at the very least share your eyes wide open. Examination every little thing. Don’t thoughtlessly rely on the hype.
Lessons Found Out (So You Do Not Repeat My Mistakes).
Here’s the fact no person informs 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 fancy, but it was strong. That’s worth more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simpleness beats intricacy– every single time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% badly.
3. Don’t fall for low cost– take a look at the genuine cost.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” truly implies.
4. Watch out for biased reviews.
A great deal of the radiant testimonies out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a commission. Find people with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your digestive tract.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a platform that actually works the method it assures, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Incredible automation, solid deliverability, and excellent support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with fantastic job monitoring devices for little groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a refined UX. Suitable if you’re scaling quickly.
Monday— Even more project-focused, but terrific for client partnership and task monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for consultants and creatives. Super clean, super streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to whatever. And if it functioned faultlessly, I ‘d most likely be their largest supporter. However it didn’t. And I can not claim otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-scale movement– or worse, convince your customers to do the very same– breathe. Ask the difficult concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You have actually functioned too tough to build something fantastic. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to devices that just work.