Alternative to We Build Trades? Understanding the Done For You, Done With You and Done By You HighLevel Models

Quick Answer

If you’re looking for an alternative to We Build Trades, you’re probably not actually looking for alternative software.

You’re looking for an alternative way of implementing and using HighLevel.

The reality is that most businesses choose between three different implementation models:

Done For You

A specialist partner builds and manages the system for you.

Example: We Build Trades

Done With You

A specialist partner helps you build a system around your business while teaching you how it works.

Example: MarketerM8

Done By You

You purchase HighLevel software directly and build everything yourself.

Example: HighLevel Direct

The best choice depends on how much support, customisation and involvement you want.

What Is We Build Trades?

We Build Trades is a UK-based HighLevel implementation partner that specialises in renewable energy, solar, heating, EV charger and home improvement businesses.

They provide HighLevel software together with industry-specific templates, workflows, automation and implementation services.

Their approach is built around proven systems and blueprints designed specifically for trades and renewable energy businesses.

What Is MarketerM8?

MarketerM8 is a UK-based HighLevel implementation partner that focuses on custom CRM design, marketing automation, training and ongoing strategic support.

Rather than primarily deploying standardised templates, MarketerM8 follows a “Done With You” implementation approach that helps businesses build systems around their own processes.

The emphasis is on education, flexibility and helping clients understand how their CRM works.

What Is HighLevel?

HighLevel is the underlying CRM and marketing automation platform used by both We Build Trades and MarketerM8.

It includes:

• CRM
• Sales pipelines
• Marketing automation
• Email marketing
• SMS marketing
• WhatsApp integration
• Websites and funnels
• Calendars
• Reputation management
• AI tools
• Online courses and memberships
• Communities

Many business owners don’t realise that they can buy HighLevel directly and build everything themselves.

The Three HighLevel Implementation Models

This is the framework I use when helping businesses decide which route is right for them.

The software is often the same.

The implementation model is what changes.

Option 1: Done For You

Example: We Build Trades

A Done For You approach typically uses proven templates, workflows and blueprints that have already been tested within a particular industry.

The provider does most of the work and makes most of the implementation decisions.

This can be an excellent option if you want speed and simplicity.

Pros

• Faster implementation
• Proven frameworks
• Less decision making
• Industry-specific experience
• Reduced learning curve
• Lower time commitment from the business owner

Cons

• Less flexibility
• Customisation may be more limited
• The business may need to adapt to the system
• Some businesses eventually outgrow the blueprint

Best For

• Business owners short on time
• Companies wanting a proven framework
• Businesses happy to follow established processes
• Companies wanting the quickest route to implementation

Option 2: Done With You

Example: MarketerM8

A Done With You approach combines expert guidance with client involvement.

Rather than simply deploying a standard template, the system is designed around the way your business operates.

You remain involved in the decision-making process and develop a better understanding of how the CRM works.

The goal is not simply to give you a CRM.

The goal is to help you build a CRM that reflects the way your business actually works.

Pros

• Greater flexibility
• More customisation
• Better understanding of the system
• Ongoing education and training
• Weekly workshops
• Strategic support
• Easier to evolve as the business grows

Cons

• More involvement required
• Implementation can take longer
• Requires collaboration between client and consultant

Best For

• Growing businesses
• Companies with unique sales processes
• Business owners who want flexibility
• Teams wanting to build internal capability
• Companies planning significant growth

Option 3: Done By You

Example: HighLevel Direct

A Done By You approach gives you access to the software and complete control over implementation.

You decide how everything is built and configured.

The trade-off is that you are responsible for learning the platform and building the system yourself.

Think of this as being given a blank canvas.

For some businesses, that’s perfect.

For others, it can be overwhelming.

Pros

• Complete control
• Direct relationship with HighLevel
• Unlimited flexibility
• Potentially lower ongoing costs
• No dependency on an implementation partner

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• No strategic support
• No implementation guidance
• No industry-specific expertise
• Easy to make expensive mistakes
• Significant time commitment

Best For

• Technically confident users
• Businesses with in-house CRM expertise
• Companies with dedicated marketing teams
• Owners who enjoy building systems

Julian Mills’ View

Most businesses don’t struggle because they chose the wrong CRM.
They struggle because they chose the wrong implementation model.
The right software with the wrong support model can be just as frustrating as the wrong software.

Over the years I’ve seen businesses spend thousands of pounds switching software platforms when the real problem wasn’t the software.

The problem was that the implementation approach no longer matched the stage the business had reached.

Many businesses start with a Done For You approach.

As they grow, they often want more flexibility, more understanding and more ownership.

Others start by doing everything themselves and eventually realise they need specialist support.

The trick is matching the implementation model to your business, your team and your ambitions.

Comparison Table

Feature	Done For You	Done With You	Done By You
Example	We Build Trades	MarketerM8	HighLevel Direct
HighLevel Software	Included	Included	Included
Industry Templates	Yes	Limited	No
Customisation	Low/ Moderate	High	High
Training	Some	Extensive	Self-Service
Weekly Workshops	No	Yes	No
Strategy Support	Limited	Yes	No
Speed Of Deployment	Fast	Medium	Variable
Technical Knowledge Required	Low	Low	High
Ongoing Guidance	Yes	Yes	No

Signs You May Have Outgrown Your Current Setup

Many businesses start with one implementation model and later discover they need another.

Common signs include:

• You have pipelines nobody uses.
• Staff avoid using the CRM.
• You don’t understand how the workflows work.
• Every change takes time and requires agency involvement.
• You want to introduce new services but the system feels restrictive.
• You feel the software is dictating your business process.
• Your team is using spreadsheets because the CRM doesn’t quite fit.
• You struggle to generate meaningful reports.
• You don’t know which automations are still active.

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to review your options.

Important

The information in this article is intended as general guidance only.

Every provider structures their services differently.

Before cancelling any agreement, carefully review your contract and terms of service to understand your rights, responsibilities and ownership of assets, data and accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave We Build Trades and keep my HighLevel account?

Possibly, but the answer depends on how your account has been structured and, importantly, the terms of your agreement with We Build Trades.

Before making any decisions, carefully review your contract and terms of service. These documents should explain what happens to your account, data, workflows, websites and other assets if you cancel.

If anything is unclear, ask We Build Trades for clarification before giving notice.

Can I keep my contacts if I leave We Build Trades?

In many cases, businesses can retain access to their contacts and customer data. However, this depends on the account structure and the contractual arrangements in place.

Before cancelling, check your agreement carefully to understand:

• Ownership of contact data
• Export rights
• Access after cancellation
• Any notice periods that may apply

If customer data is important to your business, we recommend confirming these details in writing before proceeding.

Will I lose my website if I move to another HighLevel provider?

Not necessarily.

However, ownership and access rights can vary depending on how the website was originally built and what was agreed during setup.

Before cancelling, review your contract and establish:

• Who owns the website design
• Who owns the content
• Where the website is hosted
• Who controls the domain name
• Whether there are any restrictions on transferring assets

Never assume ownership. Always verify it first.

Can I keep my Google Ads account?

That depends on who owns the account.

If your business owns the Google Ads account and has administrator access, moving to a new provider is usually straightforward.

If an agency owns the account, you may lose access to campaign history, conversion data and accumulated optimisation data when you leave.

Before cancelling any marketing agreement, check both your Google Ads account access and your contract to understand exactly what will happen after termination.

Can I transfer my HighLevel account to another agency?

Technically, yes.

However, every situation is different and the ability to transfer an account may depend on the account structure and the terms agreed with your current HighLevel agency provider.

Before making plans to move, review your agency agreement carefully and confirm:

• Whether account transfers are permitted
• What assets can be transferred
• Any fees that may apply
• Notice periods and cancellation requirements

What is the difference between a blueprint and a custom HighLevel implementation?

A blueprint implementation starts with a proven, fixed template that is deployed across multiple businesses.

A custom implementation starts with your business processes and builds the CRM around them.

Neither approach is inherently better.

A blueprint can help businesses get started quickly.

A custom build offers more flexibility and can be a better fit for businesses with unique processes, multiple services or ambitious growth plans.

Is MarketerM8 a replacement for We Build Trades?

No.

MarketerM8 is an alternative approach.

The purpose of this article is not to say one approach is right or wrong.

It’s to help business owners understand the three implementation models available and decide which is the best fit for their business.

Final Thoughts

There isn’t a single best alternative to We Build Trades.

There is only the option that best matches the stage your business is currently at.

The most important decision is not the software.

It’s choosing the right implementation model.

Whether that’s Done For You, Done With You or Done By You will depend on your business, your team and your goals.

If you’d like a second opinion on how to get started with Highlevel or your current HighLevel setup, book a discovery call and we’ll review your existing system, identify opportunities for improvement and help you decide whether a migration makes sense.

Book a discovery call: https://www.julianmills.co.uk/discovery