So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the radiant evaluations. Found out about the all-in-one magic. Check out just how it can replace your CRM, your email marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (kind of) List of GoHighLevel Features.
I get it. The guarantee is appealing: one effective dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running a company, the concept of improving every little thing under one roofing system seems like a productivity desire. But let me quit you right there … because I succumbed to the hype. And I desire somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Do not do it.”
In this post, I’m strolling you via my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic beginnings to a total 180. If you’re seriously thinking about making the button, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Checked Out GoHighLevel
You ever obtain that crave something brand-new? Like when your favored pair of shoes suddenly really feels … boring? That’s what happened to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you could remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned great.
I indicate, Keap handled whatever: email marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my company. Certain, it had not been best, however it was trusted. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, however it obtains you where you need to do without breaking down.
So why did I start looking at the flashy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
Due to glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s genuine. And if you’re a business owner like me, you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin questioning if you’re losing out. And prior to I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel demos and thinking, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Price of Switching: What It Truly Took
Allow’s not sugarcoat this– moving your firm’s entire technology pile is ruthless. I want I might inform you I just clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Below’s a look of what I in fact went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (manually).
- Reconstruct a dozen automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every customer note, project condition, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent close to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not fail to remember the psychological power it sucked out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for as well lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When All Of It Began Falling Apart
Initially, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were firing. E-mails were going out. Funnels were online. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a headache: 171 e-mails had been sent out to the incorrect team of get in touches with. Completely unimportant content. 3 days straight. And not the same people either– various sets each time. I was horrified.
I tore with the automation setups, removed and rebuilt series, even connected to support. Their response? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No accountability. And the emails simply kept heading out like a rogue robotic on auto-pilot.
Then, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything vital. My audience mattered too much to run the risk of another screw-up.
Bad UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a picture. You’re trying to fine-tune a workflow. Basic job, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Tags aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position nobody would practically look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me started. You have to accessibility three different configuration panels– scattered throughout the user interface– to update a single funnel.
It seemed like assembling IKEA furniture without directions. I intended to like the adaptability, however whatever concerning the individual experience made me seem like I required a designer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from somebody who ‘d been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was struggling, I can not envision what it resembles for somebody simply starting.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel costs per e-mail you send via their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that start accumulating. I discovered random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Turns out, I was acquiring shipment costs through Mailgun, their email provider.
So what looked like an inexpensive, flat-rate system? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way less integrity in return.
That really felt unethical. And it’s a dealbreaker for me List of GoHighLevel Features.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of kind of email marketing, you recognize just how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your list, constructing depend on, adjust subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a cliff, it resembles seeing your hard work obtain purged away.
That’s specifically what occurred when I changed to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scratching 10%. I modified subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel counts on third-party deliverability devices (without much guidance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I could not warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re seeking something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s too much at stake– your credibility, your client experience, your profits.
But if you’re still curious, at the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Test whatever. Don’t thoughtlessly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Mistakes).
Below’s the reality no person tells you when you’re chasing the following “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick to what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap wasn’t showy, however it was solid. That’s worth more than any new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats intricacy– every time.
An intuitive tool that does 80% well is far better than a Monster platform that does 100% terribly.
3. Do not fall for low cost– check out the real expense.
Read the fine print. Ask about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” actually implies.
4. Look out for prejudiced reviews.
A great deal of the beautiful testimonies out there? They’re from affiliates attempting to score a compensation. Locate people with nothing to get.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– don’t ignore it.
Much Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re trying to find a platform that actually functions the means it assures, inspect these out:.
Keap– My leading choice. Incredible automation, strong deliverability, and great assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project monitoring devices for little teams.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— Even more project-focused, however fantastic for client cooperation and job tracking.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, super structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the response to everything. And if it functioned perfectly, I ‘d probably be their biggest cheerleader. But it really did not. And I can not act otherwise.
So prior to you dive into a full-blown migration– or even worse, encourage your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the tough concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually worked as well hard to develop something terrific. Do not risk it on a platform that still feels like a beta test.
If you want my two cents? Stick with devices that just function.