GoHighLevel vs. Duda: Which is Better to Start Your Web Design Agency?

Starting a web design agency means choosing the right platform to build, manage, and grow your business. Two popular options are GoHighLevel and Duda. Both platforms offer powerful tools, but they cater to different needs.

This guide will compare these tools to help you decide which platform fits your web design agency best.

Overview

GoHighLevel and Duda serve different purposes, making them ideal for various types of agencies. Below is a breakdown of what each platform offers.

What is GoHighLevel?

GoHighLevel is an all-in-one marketing and automation platform designed for agencies. It includes CRM tools, automated follow-ups, funnel builders, and SMS/email marketing. While it has website-building capabilities, its focus is on lead generation and client retention.

What is Duda?

Duda is a web design platform built for agencies and freelancers. It allows you to create high-quality, fast-loading websites without coding. With AI-powered automation, white-label solutions, and scalable hosting, it’s the ideal choice for designers who want to manage multiple clients efficiently.

Key Features Comparison

Each platform is designed with specific agency needs in mind. The comparison below highlights their key functionalities to help you determine which one aligns best with your business.

Website Building and Customization

• Duda offers high-quality website design tools with pixel-perfect customization, drag-and-drop features, and AI-powered automation.
• GoHighLevel includes an essential website and funnel builder, but it lacks advanced design capabilities. It’s functional for lead generation but doesn’t match Duda’s professional web design quality.

Client Management and CRM Tools

• GoHighLevel shines in CRM, client management, and automation. You can track leads, automate messaging, and nurture client relationships.
• Duda focuses more on managing multiple website clients at scale with built-in collaboration tools.

Marketing and Automation Capabilities

• GoHighLevel is designed for marketing agencies, offering built-in email marketing, SMS campaigns, sales funnels, and appointment scheduling.
• Duda includes automation features for building websites faster and managing clients efficiently, but it doesn’t offer marketing automation like GoHighLevel.

SEO and Performance Optimization

• Duda provides strong SEO tools, mobile optimization, and fast-loading websites, making it great for ranking on search engines.
• GoHighLevel includes SEO tools but focuses more on paid lead generation rather than organic traffic.

E-commerce and Membership Site Support

• Duda supports e-commerce, allowing you to build online stores with customizable product pages.
• GoHighLevel includes membership sites and funnel-based sales but isn’t as flexible for full e-commerce stores.

Ease of Use

For web designers, Duda is a more manageable platform. It’s built for creating high-quality sites with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and automation features.



For marketers, GoHighLevel has a learning curve but offers more tools for lead generation, automation, and sales funnel management. If you’re already familiar with CRM systems, it’s a great fit.

Pricing and Value for Money

• Duda offers scalable pricing, allowing agencies to charge for hosting and maintenance while providing high-quality web design services.
• GoHighLevel has a higher entry cost but includes an all-in-one marketing solution, making it more valuable for lead generation agencies.

If your focus is website design, Duda provides better value. If you need CRM, automation, and marketing tools, GoHighLevel is worth the investment.

Which Platform Fits Your Business Model?

The right platform depends on your agency’s focus. GoHighLevel is best for lead generation and marketing automation, offering CRM tools, email marketing, and sales funnels to help agencies attract and convert clients. It’s ideal for businesses that prioritize customer acquisition and need an all-in-one solution to manage and automate client communication.

Duda, on the other hand, is built for web designers and agencies that want to create and manage high-quality websites at scale. Its advanced customization, automation tools, and white-label solution make it perfect for freelancers and agencies looking to streamline website creation and offer branded services. Both platforms are powerful, but the best choice comes down to whether your priority is marketing automation or professional web design.

Pros and Cons of GoHighLevel and Duda

Both GoHighLevel and Duda offer powerful tools, but they serve different purposes. GoHighLevel is built for marketing and lead generation, while Duda is designed for professional web design and agency scalability. Below is a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which fits your business best.

GoHighLevel

Pros:

• Best for lead generation with built-in CRM, sales funnels, and automation features.
• An all-in-one platform that integrates website building, marketing, and client management.
• Designed for marketers and agencies focused on customer acquisition and retention.

Cons:

• Website design features are limited and not ideal for agencies prioritizing high-end web development.
• Steeper learning curve due to its extensive set of marketing and automation tools.



Duda

Pros:

• It is best for web designers who need advanced customization and high-quality design tools.
• AI-powered automation streamlines website creation, improving efficiency.
• Scalable for agencies with a white-label solution and built-in client management tools.

Cons:

• Lacks built-in marketing automation tools such as CRM, email marketing, and sales funnels.
• It is less suited for agencies that prioritize lead generation over website development.

Need Help Choosing the Right Platform?

If you’re unsure which platform is best for your agency, Spearlance Media can help. It connects agencies with expert web designers, marketers, and automation specialists who can provide guidance and hands-on support. From high-quality website creation to lead generation strategies and scaling digital services, Spearlance Media gives you access to professionals who can take your agency to the next level.

Finding the right platform is crucial to your success. Whether your priority is designing stunning websites with Duda or running high-converting marketing campaigns with GoHighLevel, making an informed choice will help you grow and manage your agency more efficiently.

Conclusion

Selecting the right platform is key to building a successful web design agency. Consider your long-term goals, the services you want to offer, and how each tool fits into your workflow. Investing in the right solution will help you streamline operations, attract more clients, and scale your business efficiently. If you need expert guidance, Spearlance Media connects you with top web designers and marketers to help grow your agency.