If you’re using GoHighLevel (GHL) to build a website, you’ve probably wondered: Will this site actually rank on Google?

The short answer? Yes, it can. But ranking well isn’t about just building a site and hoping for the best—it’s about understanding what Google values and working within the strengths and limitations of GoHighLevel’s platform.

Let’s break this down in a practical way, no fluff. If you’re considering GHL for your website—or already using it—here’s what you need to know.

First Things First: What Does Google Care About?

Google’s goal is simple: give users the best answers to their questions. It doesn’t matter if your site is built on WordPress, Squarespace, or GoHighLevel—if your site delivers high-quality content, loads quickly, and provides a good user experience, you have a shot at ranking.

But here’s the catch: platforms like WordPress are designed to make these things easier for you, with built-in tools and plugins for SEO. GoHighLevel, on the other hand, is more focused on being an all-in-one marketing tool for agencies and businesses. It’s not an SEO-specific platform, so you’ll have to put in a little extra effort.

Can GoHighLevel Compete with Other Platforms?

Yes, but let’s keep expectations realistic. If you’re running a straightforward local business (think HVAC, roofing, or coaching services), a well-optimized GHL site can absolutely rank for local keywords like “roof repair near me” or “business coach in [city].”

Where GHL struggles is when you’re trying to compete for highly competitive, content-heavy searches. For example, if you want to rank for “best accounting software for small businesses,” a WordPress site with a robust blog, advanced SEO tools, and endless customization options will likely perform better.

What GoHighLevel Does Well

Here’s where GHL shines:

1. Easy to Use for Local Businesses

If you’re a local business trying to rank in your area, GHL has what you need. You can quickly set up pages optimized for your services and include location-specific keywords like “plumber in Austin.”

2. Mobile-Friendly Designs

Most GHL templates are mobile-responsive out of the box, which is a big win. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites, so this gives you a solid starting point.

3. Built for Lead Generation

GoHighLevel integrates lead capture forms, chatbots, and automation directly into the website. This makes it easy to turn visitors into leads, which is especially valuable for service businesses.

Where GHL Falls Short for SEO

Now, the not-so-great news:

1. Limited SEO Features

Unlike WordPress, which has plugins like Yoast and RankMath to guide you through SEO optimization, GHL keeps things pretty basic. Editing meta titles and descriptions is possible, but there’s no built-in content analysis or advanced SEO tools.

2. URL Customization

Google likes clean, short URLs with keywords. While GHL allows some customization, it’s not as flexible as other platforms, and you may end up with clunky URLs that aren’t ideal for SEO.

3. Speed Optimization

Speed matters for rankings, and while GHL sites load reasonably fast, they aren’t always as quick as custom-built WordPress or Webflow sites optimized for performance.

4. Not Ideal for Blogging

If content marketing is a big part of your SEO strategy, GHL isn’t the most user-friendly option. Managing a blog and publishing large amounts of content is much easier on platforms like WordPress.

How to Make a GHL Website Rank

If you’re sticking with GoHighLevel, here are some practical steps to boost your site’s SEO performance:

1. Focus on Local SEO

Local SEO is where GHL can really shine.

  • Optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across the web.
  • Use local keywords on your pages, like “house painting in [city]” or “spray foam insulation near [location].”
  • Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews—they boost your credibility and rankings.

2. Improve On-Page SEO

You don’t need fancy plugins to nail the basics:

  • Write clear, descriptive meta titles and descriptions for each page.
  • Use H1, H2, and H3 headings to organize your content and include keywords naturally.
  • Add alt text to your images—this helps Google understand what’s on the page.

3. Create Content Strategically

While GHL isn’t built for blogging, you can still create a few high-value pages to attract traffic. Think guides, FAQs, or service breakdowns that directly answer your customers’ questions.

4. Monitor and Adjust

Track your site’s performance with Google Analytics or GHL’s built-in reporting tools. If certain pages aren’t performing, tweak the content or add internal links to help search engines crawl your site more effectively.

Is GoHighLevel the Right Platform for SEO?

It depends on your goals.

If you’re a local service business or agency looking for a simple, all-in-one platform, GoHighLevel can absolutely work for you. It’s great for managing leads, running campaigns, and building basic websites that rank for local searches.

But if SEO is a top priority and you’re competing in a highly competitive space, a more SEO-focused platform like WordPress might be a better fit. WordPress gives you advanced tools, greater flexibility, and more scalability for content-heavy strategies.

The Bottom Line

A GoHighLevel website can rank on Google, but it’s not a magic bullet. You’ll need to put effort into the basics: creating valuable content, targeting the right keywords, and ensuring a great user experience.

If SEO is just one piece of your broader marketing puzzle and you value the lead-generation power of GHL, it can absolutely work for your needs. But if SEO is your main strategy, it might be worth exploring platforms with more robust optimization capabilities.

At the end of the day, it’s about choosing the right tool for your business goals—and making sure you’re using it to its full potential.