So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Possibly you have actually seen the radiant testimonials. Become aware of the all-in-one magic. Check out how it might replace your CRM, your e-mail marketing tools, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (kind of) Recorded Calls of All Sessions GoHighLevel.
I get it. The assurance is appealing: one powerful dashboard to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of streamlining every little thing under one roof seems like an efficiency desire. However let me stop you right there … because I succumbed to the buzz. And I want a person had actually gotten me by the shoulders and said: “Don’t do it.”
In this post, I’m walking you with my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from confident starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this very first. It’ll conserve you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Also Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that itch for something new? Like when your preferred pair of footwear unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been utilizing Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– 5, to be specific. And truthfully, it functioned fantastic.
I suggest, Keap handled every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It simply clicked with the means I ran my service. Sure, it wasn’t excellent, but it was trustworthy. Like an excellent 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 showy brand-new Tesla parked next door?
As a result of glossy object syndrome. Yep. It’s actual. And if you’re an entrepreneur like me, you recognize exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are humming regarding a “game-changer,” you start questioning if you’re missing out. And before I understood it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and thinking, “Maybe it’s time.”
Big. Error.
The Cost of Switching: What It Really Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole technology pile is brutal. I want I might tell you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was working on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Here’s a look of what I actually went through:
- Exported over 20,000 contacts from Keap (by hand).
- Restore a lots automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, e-mail series, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once more.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Spent near to 40 hours adjusting settings and testing workflows.
And let’s not forget the psychological energy it sucked out of me. You know that tired, brain-fried feeling after staring at your screen for also lengthy? That was my life for 2 weeks directly.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It wasn’t.
When It All Started Breaking Down
At first, it appeared like things were functioning. Automations were shooting. E-mails were heading out. Funnels were online. I breathed out a little.
Then– turmoil.
One early morning I woke up to a problem: 171 emails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Entirely unimportant content. 3 days straight. And not the same individuals either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore through the automation setups, removed and rebuilt sequences, even connected to sustain. Their response? “Server concern.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the e-mails just kept heading out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My audience mattered excessive to run the risk of one more error.
Negative UX = Slow Death by Stress
Let me paint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Straightforward job, right? Except now you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make sense. Tags aren’t clear. Setups are hidden in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. You need to gain access to three different arrangement panels– spread throughout the user interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It seemed like setting up IKEA furnishings without directions. I intended to like the versatility, yet everything about the individual experience made me seem like I needed a programmer resting next to me 24/7.
And this is coming from somebody who had actually been running automations and building funnels for many years. If I was battling, I can’t envision what it’s like for somebody just beginning.
Surprise Charges and Shady Pricing
Below’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel fees per email you send out with their system.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are stealthy little costs that begin piling up. I noticed random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … then $50. Ends up, I was acquiring delivery fees via Mailgun, their email provider.
So what resembled an economical, flat-rate platform? Not a lot. By the end of the month, I was investing greater than I did on Keap– and getting method much less reliability in return.
That felt deceitful. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Recorded Calls of All Sessions GoHighLevel.
Email Efficiency Tanked– Which Was the Straw that broke the camel’s back
If you do any type of type of e-mail marketing, you understand how crucial deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your list, developing count on, tweak subject lines. So when your open prices drop off a high cliff, it’s like viewing your effort obtain purged down the tubes.
That’s specifically what took place when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domains, heated up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And given that GoHighLevel depends on third-party deliverability devices (without much guidance), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I couldn’t warrant staying. I ended and returned to Keap.
So, Should You Utilize GoHighLevel?
Truthfully? I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you’re searching for something stable, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your consumer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still interested, a minimum of go in with your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not thoughtlessly rely on the buzz.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Here’s the fact no one tells you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” device:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s a great reason to change.
Keap had not been showy, yet it was strong. That’s worth more than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats complexity– every time.
An instinctive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Don’t fall for small cost– check out the actual price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability charges. Know what “limitless” truly means.
4. Keep an eye out for prejudiced evaluations.
A great deal of the beautiful endorsements available? They’re from affiliates trying to score a payment. Discover people with absolutely nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something feels off during your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Take Into Consideration
If you’re looking for a system that in fact functions the means it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My top choice. Impressive automation, solid deliverability, and fantastic support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with great project administration devices for small groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade devices with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, yet great for client partnership and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Constructed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the answer to everything. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d most likely be their most significant supporter. But it really did not. And I can’t claim otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or worse, encourage your customers to do the exact same– take a breath. Ask the hard questions. And think about whether the “all-in-one” dream is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve functioned too tough to construct something great. Do not risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with tools that simply function.