How to Automate SMS Campaigns in GoHighLevel (Setup + Best Practices)

SMS is the highest-engagement channel in digital marketing. Average open rates for text messages exceed 90%, compared to around 20% for email. GoHighLevel’s built-in SMS capabilities let you run automated SMS campaigns that reach contacts directly in their messaging app — where they’re already paying attention.

Here’s how to set up automated SMS campaigns in GoHighLevel, from simple drip sequences to event-triggered broadcasts.

Two Types of SMS Campaigns in GoHighLevel

Workflow-based SMS (Automated sequences): These are SMS messages built inside the workflow builder and triggered by contact events — form submissions, tags, pipeline stages, appointment bookings. The automation fires for each individual contact when they hit the trigger.

Broadcast SMS (Bulk campaigns): These are one-time SMS blasts sent to a filtered list of existing contacts. Used for promotions, announcements, re-engagement campaigns, or time-sensitive offers.

Most businesses use both: workflows for always-on automated follow-up, and broadcasts for periodic campaigns to the full contact list.

Building an Automated SMS Drip Sequence

An SMS drip sequence is a series of messages sent over time, automatically, to contacts who enter a specific workflow.

Example: 5-Day SMS Nurture Sequence

Trigger: Tag added: “SMS Nurture”

Day 1:

“Hey [First Name], this is [Name] from [Business]. You showed interest in [topic] — I wanted to share something quick: [link]. Any questions, just reply here.”

Day 3:

“[First Name], here’s a common question we get: [FAQ answer in 1–2 sentences]. Hope this is helpful! Reply if you want more info.”

Day 5:

“Quick check-in, [First Name] — have you had a chance to look into [service]? Happy to answer questions or set up a quick call: [calendar link]”

Day 7:

“Last one from me for now, [First Name]. If the timing isn’t right, no worries — just reply ‘later’ and I’ll follow up next month. Otherwise, grab a time here: [link]”

End of sequence:

• Add tag: “Long Term Nurture”
• Remove from this workflow

How to Build This Workflow

1. Go to Automation → Workflows → Create Workflow
2. Name it: [SMS Drip] 5-Day Nurture
3. Trigger: Tag Added → filter: “SMS Nurture”
4. Add Send SMS → write Day 1 message
5. Add Wait → 2 days
6. Add If/Else: Contact replied? → Yes: stop / No: continue
7. Add Send SMS → Day 3 message
8. Continue with remaining steps…

Enable Stop on Response in workflow settings so real replies pause the automated sequence.

Setting Up a Broadcast SMS Campaign

For one-time SMS sends to a contact list:

1. Go to Marketing → Campaigns (or Bulk Actions depending on your GHL version)
2. Click New Campaign → select SMS
3. Name your campaign
4. Write your message with personalization variables
5. Select your audience using contact filters (tags, pipeline stage, date ranges, custom fields)
6. Set send time — immediately or scheduled for a specific date/time
7. Review the preview and estimated send count
8. Launch

Best practice for broadcast timing: Send between 10am–12pm or 5pm–7pm in the contact’s timezone for highest engagement. Avoid evenings after 8pm and early mornings.

SMS Message Templates That Convert

Lead Re-Engagement

“Hey [First Name]! It’s been a while. We’ve updated our [service/offer] — thought you’d want to see this: [link]. Let me know if you have questions!”

Limited Offer

“[First Name], we’re running a [offer] through [date] — limited spots/units. Grab yours here: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.”

Review Request

“Hi [First Name], thanks for choosing [Business]! Mind leaving us a quick review? It only takes a minute and helps us a lot: [review link]. Thanks!”

Event / Webinar Reminder

“Hey [First Name]! Don’t forget — [event name] starts [time]. Join here: [link]. See you there!”

Re-Booking

“[First Name], it’s been [X months] since your last [service]. Want to book again? Here’s a link: [calendar link]. Or just reply here!”

SMS Compliance in GoHighLevel

SMS marketing in the US is regulated by the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act). GoHighLevel has built-in compliance features, but you need to set them up correctly.

Getting consent: You must have explicit written consent before sending marketing SMS. This is typically collected via a checkbox on your opt-in form. GoHighLevel form and landing page builders let you add compliant opt-in language.

Opt-out handling: GoHighLevel automatically processes STOP replies. When a contact texts STOP, they are immediately added to your DNC (Do Not Contact) list and will not receive further SMS from your account.

Opt-out language: Include opt-out language in your first automated SMS: “Reply STOP to opt out.”

A2P 10DLC registration: If you’re sending SMS in the US at volume, you need to register your phone number through GoHighLevel’s A2P 10DLC process. This is a carrier requirement for business texting. Unregistered numbers face delivery issues and potential blocking.

GoHighLevel walks you through 10DLC registration in the account settings under Phone Numbers.

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns

Keep messages under 160 characters. Messages over 160 characters are split into multiple segments, which costs more and can sometimes display incorrectly on the recipient’s phone. If you need to share a long message, use a link to a landing page instead.

Personalize with variables. {{contact.first_name}} and other merge fields make messages feel individual rather than broadcast.

One CTA per message. Don’t ask for multiple things in one SMS. One message, one ask: reply, click link, call, book, etc.

Test your messages first. Send each SMS step to your own phone number during testing to verify formatting, link functionality, and personalization.

Respect time zones. GoHighLevel lets you restrict workflow actions to business hours. Use this feature to prevent SMS messages from firing at 3am for contacts in different time zones.

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Also read:

• How to automate lead follow-ups in GoHighLevel →
• How to automate email sequences in GoHighLevel →
• GoHighLevel automation workflows →