So– you’ve been eyeing GoHighLevel, huh? Maybe you have actually seen the glowing reviews. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could change your CRM, your e-mail marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– kidding (type of) Top GoHighLevel Affiliates.
I get it. The assurance is tempting: one powerful control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running an agency, the idea of enhancing whatever under one roofing seems like a productivity dream. However let me stop you right there … because I fell for the buzz. And I want somebody had actually ordered me by the shoulders and claimed: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m walking you via my rollercoaster of a trip with GoHighLevel– from hopeful beginnings to a full 180. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, read this very first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of migraines.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Looked at GoHighLevel
You ever get that itch for something brand-new? Like when your favorite set of shoes unexpectedly feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I ‘d been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for several years– five, to be specific. And truthfully, it worked terrific.
I indicate, Keap dealt with everything: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the method I ran my organization. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, however it was trusted. 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 showy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of shiny item syndrome. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know specifically what I’m speaking about. When all the Facebook teams, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you begin asking yourself if you’re missing out. And prior to I knew it, I was deep-diving into GoHighLevel trials and reasoning, “Perhaps it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Cost of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your agency’s whole tech stack is brutal. I want I might tell you I simply clicked a button and voilà, I was operating on GoHighLevel by the weekend. Nope.
Right here’s a glimpse of what I really experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (by hand).
- Rebuilt a dozen automations from the ground up– points like onboarding, e-mail sequences, lead nurturing.
- Moved every client note, job standing, and funnel over.
- Establish landing pages. Again.
- Reconnected settlement integrations like Stripe.
- Used near to 40 hours adjusting setups and screening workflows.
And allow’s not forget the psychological energy it drew out of me. You recognize that tired, brain-fried sensation after looking at your display for too long? That was my life for 2 weeks straight.
I told myself, “This pain will certainly be worth it.” It had not been.
When Everything Began Breaking Down
In the beginning, it looked like points were functioning. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were live. I exhaled a little.
After that– turmoil.
One morning I awakened to a problem: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the incorrect group of calls. Completely pointless material. 3 days straight. And not the very same people either– various sets each time. I was alarmed.
I tore via the automation setups, deleted and rebuilt sequences, also reached out to sustain. Their response? “Web server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No liability. And the e-mails simply kept heading out like a rogue robot on autopilot.
At that point, I was done trusting GoHighLevel with anything crucial. My target market mattered excessive to run the risk of another error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Disappointment
Let me repaint you an image. You’re attempting to tweak a workflow. Straightforward task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that do not make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Setups are concealed in position no person would realistically look.
Their funnel builder? Do not even obtain me began. You have to accessibility three various setup panels– scattered across the interface– to upgrade a single funnel.
It felt like constructing IKEA furniture without instructions. I wanted to love the flexibility, but whatever regarding the customer experience made me seem like I required a developer resting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from someone who ‘d been running automations and constructing funnels for many years. If I was having a hard time, I can’t visualize what it resembles for a person just getting started.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Here’s something they don’t market plainly: GoHighLevel charges per e-mail you send out with their platform.
Yep. On top of your $297/month agency plan, there are sneaky little fees that begin piling up. I noticed arbitrary $10 charges popping up– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution charges with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what appeared like an economical, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was investing more than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less reliability in return.
That really felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me Top GoHighLevel Affiliates.
Email Efficiency Tanked– And That Was the Last Straw
If you do any type of email marketing, you recognize exactly how vital deliverability is. You invest years nurturing your checklist, constructing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates hand over a high cliff, it’s like watching your effort get flushed away.
That’s precisely what took place when I switched over to GoHighLevel.
My open prices fell from around 35% to barely scuffing 10%. I tweaked subject lines, validated domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after e-mail landed in spam or promotions folders. And since GoHighLevel relies upon third-party deliverability devices (without much advice), I was left playing e-mail roulette.
Then, I could not validate staying. I ended and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, intuitive, and trustworthy. There’s way too much at stake– your track record, your customer experience, your bottom line.
But if you’re still curious, at least go in with your eyes wide open. Examination everything. Do not blindly trust the buzz.
Lessons Found Out (So You Don’t Repeat My Errors).
Below’s the truth no person informs 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 over.
Keap had not been flashy, but it was strong. That deserves more than any brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity defeats complexity– whenever.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Monster system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for low prices– consider the genuine price.
Check out the fine print. Inquire about deliverability fees. Know what “endless” actually indicates.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A lot of the radiant testimonials around? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a compensation. Discover people with nothing to gain.
5. Listen to your intestine.
If something feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding stage– don’t ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re searching for a system that actually functions the method it promises, examine these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Fantastic automation, solid deliverability, and terrific support.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with terrific project management tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a sleek UX. Perfect if you’re scaling quick.
Monday— More project-focused, however great for customer collaboration and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Developed for freelancers and creatives. Super clean, very structured.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel seems like the solution to everything. And if it functioned flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their largest supporter. But it didn’t. And I can’t act otherwise.
So prior to you study a full-scale movement– or worse, convince your clients to do the exact same– breathe. Ask the hard concerns. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire deserves the real-world trade-offs.
You have actually functioned as well tough to construct something fantastic. Do not risk it on a platform that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick with devices that just work.