Go HighLevel review: My hot take for coaches and practitioners

If you’re a coach, therapist, or practitioner trying to grow your business without burning out—chances are you’ve heard about Go HighLevel (affiliate link). And maybe you’re wondering:

“Is it actually as powerful as people say… or is it another overhyped, hard-to-use platform I’ll regret signing up for?”

I get it. I’ve tried all the tools: Dubsado, HoneyBook, Kajabi, ClickFunnels, Hello Bonsai, Moxie, MailerLite—you name it. But when I switched to Go HighLevel for myself and my clients, everything changed.

It wasn’t just about saving money on subscriptions. It was about finally having a backend that worked—one that didn’t require daily duct-taping or babysitting.

But let’s be clear: HighLevel is not perfect. And it’s definitely not for beginners. That’s why this review is honest, unfiltered, and packed with the full breakdown of what to expect.

In case we haven’t met…

I’m Natalia, and I help private practice owners and coaches create and manage a strategic, client-attracting website, without the tech headaches. If you want a system that works while you rest, you’re in the right place.

You can explore my website and funnel management services, where I use Go HighLevel to automate your bookings, client journey, email marketing, and passive income—all while keeping your website aesthetic, optimized, and easy to update.

What features does Go HighLevel include?

Let’s start with what’s actually inside. Most “reviews” skim the surface—so here’s a full breakdown of the tools you get inside your Go HighLevel dashboard.

Website + funnel builder

Build landing pages, lead magnets, sales pages, thank-you pages, and full websites using a drag-and-drop builder.

Email and SMS automation

Create full campaigns and workflows for nurturing, follow-ups, and re-engagement—without needing a third-party email tool.

Calendar + booking system

Offer automated appointment booking, reminders, and rescheduling—all fully integrated with your workflows.

CRM (Client Relationship Management)

Organize contacts by stage, tag them, and automate actions like “Send this email after consult is complete.”

Memberships and course platform

Host your own programs, drip content, and upsell next offers—all without needing Kajabi or Teachable.

Forms, surveys, and quizzes

Build custom forms that feed directly into automations and tagging.

Workflow automation

The heart of HighLevel: create drag-and-drop automation sequences that connect everything you do.

Affiliate tracking

Track referrals and manage affiliate payouts for your digital products or programs.

Review and reputation management

Send automatic review requests and grow your visibility on platforms like Google.

Mobile app

Manage your business from your phone—and give clients access to your program in an app-like experience.

My honest take on the website builder

Let’s not sugarcoat this: the HighLevel website builder is not cute.

It’s functional, but not beautiful. The templates are outdated, and unless you spend time customizing them, your pages may look like everyone else’s.

That’s why I build all my client websites on Duda, a professional, design-forward platform. It gives me total control over aesthetics, SEO, and responsiveness. I then integrate HighLevel as the powerful backend system for booking, automation, and client management.

Want the best of both? I’ll build your website and integrate HighLevel for you.

What are the downsides of Go HighLevel?

Let’s be honest—it’s not all sunshine and automations. Here are the key drawbacks:

• The learning curve is steep
  
• The design options are limited
  
• It’s not beginner-friendly
  
• It assumes you understand workflows and logic-based marketing
  

Common complaints from actual users

Looking at real feedback across coaching communities, Reddit threads, and forums, here are the most common complaints about HighLevel:

• Overwhelming dashboard: Many users feel paralyzed by how many features exist, especially with no onboarding tailored to non-agency users.
  
• Clunky user interface: The backend feels dated and not as intuitive compared to newer platforms.
  
• Slow or vague support: Some users say support is slow or provides generic responses unless you’re able to diagnose your own issue.
  
• Generic templates: From emails to landing pages, the visual options can feel basic or uninspiring unless you customize them heavily.
  
• Too much for solo users: HighLevel was built with agencies in mind, so solopreneurs and coaches may feel the tool is “too big” unless they’re supported by an expert.
  
  

The truth? These complaints are valid. But most of them disappear when you work with an expert who can guide the setup, manage your backend, and build something that actually fits your business.

My final hot take: It’s worth it—but not without support

If you’re building a coaching business, therapy practice, or digital offer ecosystem, Go HighLevel is the best backend I’ve ever worked with.

But it’s not plug-and-play. You need strategy, clarity, and someone who can manage the moving parts.

That’s where I come in.

Want to try it before committing?

You can test-drive Go HighLevel yourself and explore every feature I mentioned above.

👉 Start your free Go HighLevel trial here (affiliate link)

If you love it but don’t want to deal with setup, funnel logic, or integration headaches, I’ve got you.

👉 Let’s build a done-for-you website + marketing ecosystem on HighLevel that works beautifully—without burnout.

Related reads

• The Go HighLevel features no one tells you about (and why I still recommend it) – A full breakdown of Go HighLevel’s features, what it actually replaces, and how to know if it’s right for your business.
• Everything you need to know about Go HighLevel support before you use this tool – A clear breakdown of what kind of support HighLevel actually offers and what to do if you’re not tech-savvy.
• What is ThriveCart and my honest review – A complete breakdown of ThriveCart’s features, pros, and who it’s best for.
• ThriveCart vs SamCart: Which is better? (In-depth comparison) – Compare these two top checkout platforms and see which one actually supports your long-term business growth.
• ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels: Which is best for coaches? – If you’re a coach or course creator, this review helps you choose the platform that fits your style and structure.
• ThriveCart vs Kajabi: Which platform is best for coaches? – Discover which tool gives you the most value depending on your needs, goals, and technical skill level.