GoHighLevel offers a powerful way to run text message campaigns that get people’s attention without being annoying.

The platform makes it easy to send automated SMS messages for different purposes while following important rules to respect recipients.

When you use GoHighLevel for your text messaging needs, you can access their built-in phone service with reasonable costs starting at less than a penny per message segment.

Before sending messages to customers in the United States or Canada, you’ll need to complete A2P 10DLC registration.

This process helps ensure your messages reach their intended audience while maintaining trust and compliance with messaging standards.

8 Things You Can Do with GoHighLevel Texting and SMS

1. Have Two-Way Chats From Anywhere

Text messaging lets you talk with customers on their schedule.

Instead of long phone calls, you can send a quick text and let them reply when it’s convenient. This works great because:

• People can respond when they have time
• You can look back at old messages easily
• Conversations feel less intrusive

This approach keeps your leads warm and improves customer service without forcing anyone to drop everything for a phone call.

2. Set Up Automatic Message Sequences

You can create text message sequences that send automatically based on what your contacts do.

These are more effective than emails because:

When someone fills out your form, you can trigger a series of helpful texts that guide them toward booking an appointment.

Since most people actually read their texts, your message won’t get lost in a crowded inbox.

3. Schedule Meetings and Send Reminders

The platform includes a smart booking system that works through text messages. The AI can:

• Adjust the conversation based on how people respond
• Match your brand’s tone and style
• Book appointments directly through text

Once scheduled, the system sends automatic reminders before appointments. This simple feature dramatically cuts down on no-shows and saves you wasted time.

4. Process Payments by Text

Need to get paid faster?

You can send payment links directly by text message. Since people check texts more often than emails, this speeds up your payment process.

You have two options:

• Mobile app: Create quick payment links right in your conversation
• Desktop app: Make detailed payment links with attached invoices

Customers just tap the link and complete their payment in a few steps – no complicated processes needed.

5. Create Text-to-Join Campaigns

This feature works great for businesses that market offline.

A restaurant can print a keyword on their menu, or a store can add it to business cards.

When customers text that keyword to your number, they automatically:

1. Get added to your contact list
2. Receive the promised offer or discount
3. Enter your nurture sequence for future offers

This turns physical marketing materials into digital lead collection tools.

6. Connect Multiple Communication Channels

GoHighLevel lets you combine different ways of talking to customers:

• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Social media chats
• WhatsApp
• Email

You can create workflows that move people between these channels.

For example, someone who messages you on social media can continue the conversation through text messages if that works better for them.

7. Gather Feedback Through Texts

Texting is perfect for quick surveys and polls.

You can set up automated workflows that ask questions and branch to different follow-ups based on the answers.

For example:

1. “Did you enjoy your meal today?”
2. If they say “Yes” → “What did you like most about it?”
3. If they say “No” → “We’re sorry to hear that. What could we improve?”

This makes giving feedback easy for customers and provides you with valuable insights without requiring much effort from either side.

8. Follow Up on Missed Calls Instantly

When someone calls your business and nobody answers, they usually call your competitor next.

GoHighLevel solves this problem by automatically sending a text message when calls go unanswered.

The text can say something like: “Sorry we missed your call! Please let us know how we can help, and we’ll get back to you right away.”

This quick response keeps potential customers engaged instead of losing them to the next business on their list. It turns potentially lost opportunities into active conversations.

GoHighLevel SMS Pricing: Is it Expensive?

GoHighLevel’s SMS pricing is actually quite affordable and competitive in the market.

The rates are similar to what other third-party providers like Twilio charge, making it a reasonable option for your business communications.

To use the SMS features, you’ll need to purchase a phone number through GoHighLevel’s native LC-Phone system. Here’s what you can expect to pay in the US and Canada:

All payments for phone numbers and SMS usage come directly from your GoHighLevel wallet.

The system automatically recharges your wallet when it drops below a threshold that you set, such as $20 or $50.

If you’re providing SMS services to clients, you can pass these costs on to them and even add your own markup. This creates a new revenue stream for your business.

While the initial charges will come from your wallet, you can set up the system to bill your clients for their usage.

What’s A2P 10DLC?

A2P 10DLC stands for Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code. It’s a messaging system that mobile carriers require to help reduce spam messages.

You need to register with A2P 10DLC if you want to run SMS campaigns in GoHighLevel.

Without this registration, you won’t be able to send messages to US phone numbers.

Registration costs:

• One-time fee: $4.41
• Monthly fee: Starts at $1.50 (may increase with usage)

Keep in mind that this requirement only applies to local and mobile numbers in the USA and Canada. If you want a simpler process, you can purchase a toll-free number instead.

You’ll still need to register with toll-free numbers, but the process isn’t as complex as A2P 10DLC registration.

What Is the GoHighLevel SMS Ramp-Up Model?

The SMS ramp-up model is a safety system that GoHighLevel uses to prevent spam texts. As a new user, you’ll start with limits on how many texts you can send each day.

This process helps protect the platform from fake accounts sending unwanted messages.

The model works over an 8-day period.

You need to reach your daily maximum to move up to the next level. After hitting your limit, you must wait 24 hours before sending more texts.

Here’s how the daily limits increase:

Remember, you must send the maximum number of texts allowed at your current level to advance.

This gradual increase helps you build a positive sending reputation while protecting the platform.

How to Set Up GoHighLevel Texting and SMS (A Quick Guide)

Setting up texting in GoHighLevel is straightforward when you follow these simple steps. You’ll be sending messages to your contacts in no time.

Connect Your Phone Service

First, you need to connect your sub-account to the phone service:

1. Go to your Agency dashboard
2. Navigate to Settings > Phone Integration
3. Find your sub-account and click the blue link icon
4. Enter the sub-account and select Settings > Phone Numbers > + Add Number
5. Choose and purchase a number from the available options

After buying your number, you’ll need to complete the A2P registration by following the prompts on your screen.

Sending Text Messages

Once your number is set up, you can start texting:

• Open the Contacts tab and select a contact
• Type your message in the text field
• View and respond to replies in the Conversations tab

For sending the same message to multiple people, select all relevant contacts and click the SMS icon at the top.

Bulk Messaging Options

When sending bulk messages, you have three timing options:

• Send immediately
• Schedule for later
• Send as a drip campaign

Create SMS Templates

Save time by creating reusable text templates:

1. Go to Conversations > Snippet > + Add Snippet > Add Text Snippet
2. Name your template
3. Write your message content
4. Add personalization with custom fields or emojis
5. Attach files or include links as needed
6. Send a test message to verify everything looks good

Your templates will appear as options when composing new messages, making regular communication much faster and consistent.

GoHighLevel SMS Automation: How It Works

SMS automation in GoHighLevel helps you create message sequences that work on their own.

You can build these automated campaigns in the Workflows section of your account.

The system is quite smart. When you set up a workflow, you add SMS messages as “actions” with wait steps between them. These wait steps control the timing between messages.

GoHighLevel can understand what your contacts mean when they reply.

It reads their responses and decides if they’re positive or negative. Based on this, your workflow can:

• Send interested contacts to special offers
• Move unhappy contacts to an unsubscribe path

You can also create conversational bots through the Conversations AI tab in your sub-account settings. You have three main options:

Setting up these bots takes some effort.

You’ll need to configure settings and train the bot to understand your messaging style and goals. The training helps the bot recognize tone and intention in messages.

Once set up properly, these bots can handle complete conversations without you needing to step in. This saves you time while keeping your contacts engaged.

5 Ways to Follow Text Messaging Rules

1. Only Message People Who Said Yes

Always get permission before sending texts. When people specifically agree to get messages from you, you stay within the rules and respect privacy laws.

Never send texts to people who haven’t clearly given you permission.

This protects you from getting your account frozen and keeps you on the right side of the law.

2. Always Provide a Way Out

Every first message you send must include instructions for opting out. Add this simple phrase: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”.

This gives people control over what they receive from you.

Without this option, you break messaging rules and risk your account status.

3. Keep Your Content Appropriate

Certain topics are completely off-limits for text messaging:

• Firearms
• Gambling
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Adult content

If your business deals with these items, you’ll need to find a different platform.

Sending messages about prohibited content will get your account suspended quickly.

4. Make It Clear Who You Are

People should never have to guess who sent them a text. Your first message must clearly state:

• Your name
• Your business name

For example: “Hi, this is Tom from Main Street Plumbing.”

While you don’t need to identify yourself in every follow-up message, it’s smart to reintroduce yourself if it’s been a while since your last contact.

5. Don’t Try to Trick the System

The platform has tools to catch rule-breakers. Don’t try to outsmart the system by:

• Purposely misspelling words
• Using unusual opt-out instructions
• Using link shorteners to hide destinations
• Sending similar messages across multiple phone numbers

These tricks are easily detected and will get your account terminated faster than standard violations.

SMS Best Practices

1. Ask for Permission First

Always get permission before sending text messages to anyone.

Check your contact list to see who has agreed to receive messages from you. Stop sending texts if someone asks you to.

Getting consent is not just polite—it’s often required by law and helps build trust with your audience.

2. Be Available to Reply

When sending texts, make sure you can respond promptly. Consider these important points:

• Set automated messages to send during normal hours (not late at night)
• Don’t start conversations when you’re too busy to reply
• If you need to step away, tell the person when you’ll respond again

People appreciate quick responses. If you say you’ll reply by 3:00 PM, make sure you do. Keeping your word builds trust.

3. Make It Personal

Generic messages look like spam and get ignored. Use the recipient’s name and other personal details when possible.

For automated messages, use custom fields to add personal touches.

When responding directly, add relevant details that show you know who they are.

Example of personalization:

"Hi Mark! I noticed you purchased hiking boots last month. How are they working out for your Appalachian Trail adventure?"

4. Keep It Short and Clear

Get to the point quickly. Your message should clearly explain:

• Why you’re texting
• What action you want the person to take

Shorter messages cost less to send and are more likely to be read completely. Avoid confusing language that might make someone unsubscribe.

5. Create Excitement

While most text messages get opened, making yours stand out helps ensure action. Use language that creates interest and urgency without being pushy.

Strong message example:

• “Hi Sam! Your exclusive 24-hour access to our summer sale starts now. Get 30% off everything until midnight!”

This creates excitement by:

• Mentioning exclusivity
• Setting a clear deadline
• Offering a specific benefit

6. Stick to One Question

When asking for information, limit yourself to one question per message. Multiple questions can:

• Overwhelm the recipient
• Reduce response rates
• Make your message longer and more expensive

If you need more information, consider sending people to a survey or sending separate messages.

If sending multiple texts, let them know how many to expect.

7. Use Emojis Wisely

Emojis help show emotion in text messages, but don’t overdo it. Too many emojis make your message look unprofessional or spammy.

Good emoji use: “Thanks for your order! Your package is on its way 📦”
Poor emoji use: “😍😍 OMG!!! Your order is coming!!! 🚚💨 SO EXCITED!!! 🎉🎉🎉”

A few well-placed emojis add personality. Too many make you look unprofessional. Choose 1-2 relevant emojis that match your message tone.

Ready to take your business to the next level?

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