What Does Go High Level Actually Replace in Your Business?
If you’ve ever looked at (Go)High Level (GHL) and thought,
“Do I really need all of this?” you’re not alone.
It can seem like a lot. But here’s the thing: if you run a small business, especially if you’re a coach, consultant, or service provider, you’re probably already using most of these tools. Just scattered across different platforms, logins, subscriptions, and price tags.
Let’s break it down:
1. CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Replaces:
HubSpot
Zoho
Capsule
Pipedrive
Nimble
Keap
ActiveCampaign
MailerLite
Mailchimp’s CRM features
Why it matters:
Every business needs a way to track leads, clients, conversations, and follow-ups. GHL gives you an easy-to-use CRM with tagging, notes, pipelines, and automations. No tech team required.
2. Email Marketing Platform
Replaces:
Mailchimp
ActiveCampaign
ConvertKit (Kit)
Constant Contact
MailerLite
Why it matters:
Email is essential and GHL makes it powerful. You can tag and segment contacts automatically. You can trigger welcome and onboarding sequences, track opens, replies, and engagement. You can automate client journeys based on behavior. It’s perfect for intake forms, freebie delivery, and client nurturing. You can stop wasting time on repetitive tasks.
3. SMS & Text Marketing
Replaces:
Twilio
SlickText
EZ Texting
Why it matters:
Text messages get opened quickly. GHL lets you automate reminders, confirmations, and personalized follow-ups via SMS without needing extra tools.
4. Appointment Scheduling
Replaces:
Calendly
Acuity
OnceHub
TidyCal
Book Like A Boss
Why it matters:
Let clients self-book into your calendar, receive reminders, and even pay. No back-and-forth needed. Plus, it integrates directly with your CRM and automations. The backend of the calendar can seem a little daunting at first. But, if you've got a personal tech coach who handles that for you, (someone like me!), they can set it all up for you AND create a short video clip showing you where to go and how to do it yourself in your account if needed.
5. Website & Funnel Builder
Replaces:
WordPress
Wix
Squarespace
ClickFunnels
Leadpages
Why it matters:
Whether you need a full website or a simple sales page, GHL has a drag-and-drop builder that lives inside your CRM. You can even host live events like virtual summits all right here. Unlimited URLs and funnels. Everything stays connected and frankly, it's nice not having to go back and forth between a website account and all the other apps that tend to build up as your business grows.
6. Forms, Surveys & E‑Signatures
Replaces:
Typeform
Google Forms
Jotform
DocuSign
Why it matters:
From intake forms to quizzes and contracts, GHL can handle it. Add fields, checkboxes, e-signatures, and trigger automations based on submissions. Ready to get feedback and customize the form your audience fills in? It's all here.
7. Automations
Replaces:
Zapier (for many workflows)
Dubsado (for simple workflows)
Pieced-together email/calendar/zap combos
Why it matters:
Welcome emails, appointment reminders, payment follow-ups. It’s all automated with GHL’s visual workflow builder. That means if you want something to happen when someone clicks on a button, it happens. Want a series of emails to go out on certain dates? When a client takes a certain action? Yep, all doable right here.
8. Sales Pipeline Tracking
Replaces:
Trello
Pipedrive
Whiteboards and sticky notes
Why it matters:
Track every prospect, lead, and paying client in a visual pipeline. Know exactly where they are and what needs to happen next.
9. Invoicing & Payments
Replaces:
Stripe (standalone)
PayPal invoicing
Square
Why it matters:
Create invoices, collect payments, and bundle offers into funnels. GHL connects payment collection to automations and tracking without the need for follow-up. It's one of the simplest set ups I've encountered! Definitely worth getting the free 14 day trial and seeing for yourself.
10. Online Courses & Memberships
Replaces:
Kajabi
Teachable
Thinkific
Why it matters:
Sell and deliver digital courses, trainings, or group programs without leaving the platform. Memberships are gated, automated, and connected to your email and payment systems.
11. Lead Tracking & Analytics
Replaces:
Google Analytics (for basic tracking)
Hotjar
Separate UTM tracking tools
Why it matters:
Want to know where leads come from and what works? GHL’s built-in analytics show performance across funnels, emails, and ads without needing extra tools. I have produced a very large number of online events/summits using High Level and my clients love that I can tell them how many clicks each page has received and other great details.
12. Community & Membership Spaces
Replaces:
Circle
Mighty Networks
Skool
Why it matters:
GHL now offers GoKollab. It’s a community feature where your audience can engage, post, and interact in a private or paid space. You can host masterminds, share resources, and track engagement and referrals.
TL;DR: GHL Replaces…
Your CRM
Email and SMS marketing tools
Scheduling apps
Funnel builders
Course platforms
Survey tools
Contract signing software
Payment systems
Community platforms
Automations and analytics tools
Whether or not you think you’re ready for all this, chances are, you’re already juggling most of it across a dozen different platforms.
Why not bring it all into one?
Bonus: Most of these tools would cost you $300 to $800 per month if you were paying for them separately. GHL gives you the full suite, starting at $97 per month. That’s a serious upgrade in both simplicity and savings.
Need help figuring out if GHL is the right fit for you?
I help coaches and small businesses set it up stress-free. From done-for-you builds to personalized training and automations, I’ve got your back. My services feel like you've hired a full dream team even though you may be on a solo budget.
Get your free 14 day trial here.
Book your free Q&A call here.
