You’ve come across GoHighLevel and you’re asking yourself– Is this the real offer, or just one more overhyped system that assures everything and supplies … meh? GoHighLevel Vs Podium
Believe me, I have actually been where you are. After making use of GoHighLevel for a few years currently, I can inform you straight up: it’s one of the smartest choices I have actually produced my business. However (and it’s a large “yet”) it’s not all sunlight and rainbows.
Let’s dive into the good, the negative, and the periodically irritating so you can figure out if GoHighLevel’s the ideal suitable for you.
GoHighLevel Provides– But Only If You Know What You’re Doing
Below’s the thing: GoHighLevel is a monster. It’s marketed as an all-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM system– and for as soon as, that case is official. You truly can run nearly every facet of your service from one dashboard.
However below’s the catch: with world power comes a slightly complicated interface, a high learning contour, and a “figure-it-out-yourself” vibe at times.
Still, if you can get past the bumpy beginning, it’s like unlocking organization superpowers.
What GoHighLevel Gets Extremely Right
You Can Actually Replace a Lots Other Tools
If you have actually been assembling a tech pile with tools like Mailchimp, Calendly, ClickFunnels, WordPress, and Pipedrive (ugh, the disorder)– this is your chance to simplify.
GoHighLevel lets you handle:
- Email and SMS marketing
- Sales funnels and landing pages
- Visit scheduling
- CRM management
- Automations (we’ll reach that in a sec)
- Online courses and subscriptions
- Social media site messaging
- Live conversation
And the listing maintains growing. Unless you need a details eCommerce device or repayment gateway (much more on that later), you’re most likely covered.
It’s Always Evolving
No joke. One day I log in and see a brand-new feature for TikTok DMs. The following day, they’ve revamped the e-mail editor. After that it’s video uploads, Square integrations, or social coverage.
It’s a living platform. The designers are continuously pushing updates, and the roadmap is packed with user-suggested features. That component actually impressed me– your voice actually matters right here.
And while the continuous modifications can feel like you’re running on a treadmill that never quits, I would certainly take that over a system that hasn’t changed given that 2018.
Interaction? You’re Covered
If you’re tired of jumping between devices simply to speak with your leads, you’ll love this part.
From one control panel, you can:
- Make phone calls and drop voicemails
- Send and obtain SMS
- Blast emails or construct sequences
- Conversation on WhatsApp, GoHighLevel Vs Podium
- Send Instagram, Facebook and TikTok DMs.
- Live conversation on your site (or transform it to SMS mid-convo)
Even better– there’s a central conversation tab where all these messages live. No more jumping in between inboxes or forgetting to respond to that DM from three days ago. (Been there. Dealt with that.).
SaaS Mode = Recurring Earnings Without the Headaches
Here’s where points get spicy.
If you’re a firm proprietor, consultant, or just someone who wishes to make repeating profits without being glued to your laptop computer– listen up.
GoHighLevel’s SaaS mode lets you market the platform under your very own brand. Think of it like white-labeling GoHighLevel, slapping your logo design on it, and billing whatever you desire.
It’s $497/month on your end. Yet if you bill simply $97/month to six clients, you’re already profitable– and everything past that is gravy.
You don’t need to manage campaigns or hop on technique telephone calls. Just offer people accessibility to the devices and let them run with it. It’s not 100% passive, however it’s quite close.
Automate Every little thing
This is most likely my favored part: workflows.
Picture setting up a multi-channel sequence that e-mails, texts, and follows up with leads based on their behavior. Immediately scheduling phone calls. Sending out onboarding messages. Labeling get in touches with. Following up on billings. Supporting chilly leads for months without lifting a finger.
Sound like a desire? It’s very real.
The automations are unbelievably effective, yet I will not lie– they can feel overwhelming at first. My guidance? Don’t attempt to discover everything in a weekend. Start little and develop from there. The payback is worth it.
It’s Not Just for Agencies Any Longer
GoHighLevel began very agency-focused. Like, every little thing screamed “online marketers only”.
Yet that’s changed.
Currently it’s just as valuable for:
- Regional companies (beauty parlors, gyms, clinics, etc).
- Coaches and course developers.
- Professionals and company.
- Consultants and solopreneurs.
There are even “snapshots” you can pack with prebuilt campaigns customized to certain markets. That’s a blessing if you don’t want to build everything from the ground up.
And for only $97/month on the Starter Plan, it’s an absolute take. No other tool gives you this much for that little.
Yet It’s Not All Smooth Sailing …
Let’s talk about the stuff that might trip you up– or just flat-out annoy you.
The Learning Curve Is Genuine
If you’re brand new to marketing tech, distort up.
GoHighLevel has a great deal taking place, and if you try to find out everything simultaneously, you’ll wear out faster than a discount rate coffee machine.
When I initially began, I obtained overwhelmed swiftly. The interface was clunky (it’s much better currently), and I wasn’t certain where to start.
My suggestions? Beginning with the basics– like CRM and scheduling– then layer in the automations and funnel builder when you’re ready. And don’t even consider launching into SaaS mode up until you have actually understood the core platform.
Training Products Required a Makeover
GoHighLevel’s consistent updates are remarkable, yet they come with a catch: the training video clips are often outdated.
You’ll enjoy a walkthrough on YouTube, most likely to try it yourself, and understand … that switch doesn’t even exist anymore.
For a system this powerful, I truly assume they need to focus on upgrading the help docs and tutorials in real-time. New customers should not need to presume their way through.
Hidden Costs Creep Up on You
The pricing looks easy. And it sort of is.
But there are add-on expenses that aren’t incredibly obvious up until you start excavating. You’ll pay extra for:
- SMS and telephone call
- Email sending out (using Mailgun or similar)
- AI features
- Some integrations
It’s not crazy expensive– and truthfully, even with the add-ons, it’s still cheaper than Frankensteining with each other a dozen devices. But it’s something you’ll intend to factor into your budget plan.
Consumer Support Can Be a Wager
Let me be clear: the GoHighLevel team does care. You can also schedule a Zoom phone call with them, which is unusual and really useful.
However the online chat and SMS assistance? Hit or miss.
Sometimes I would certainly message them and hear crickets. Various other times, I ‘d obtain an answer yet have to follow up numerous times before anything got fixed.
Best bet? Use the Zoom calls if you require actual help. Simply don’t depend on quick conversation replies to conserve the day.
Overreliance on Stripe Is Restricting
Here’s the one large feature void: GoHighLevel leans heavily on Stripe for payments– particularly if you’re utilizing SaaS mode.
If Stripe isn’t sustained in your nation or you prefer an additional payment cpu, you’re out of good luck (in the meantime).
They did recently reveal a Square integration, which is a promising action. Ideally more adaptability gets on the method. But as it stands, Stripe is the major show.
Last Decision: GoHighLevel Vs Podium
If you’re trying to find a platform that:
- Changes half your tech stack
- Automates your marketing and sales
- Expands with your service
- Deals major revenue possibility through SaaS mode.
… after that indeed, GoHighLevel is 100% worth your time.
It’s not perfect. You’ll require persistence, a desire to find out, and maybe a little caffeine. Once you’ve got it dialed in? Game-changer.
And hi there, if you have actually ever before imagined running your very own software program business or marketing company, this might be your opportunity– without needing a group of developers or a Silicon Valley budget.