Adding A SMS Number to GoHighLevel for Marketing
Adding a SMS number to GoHighLevel for marketing is one of the first steps to launching effective text campaigns.
However, many users get stuck at this stage, unsure how to properly connect and activate a number. But once your setup is complete, you can automate outreach, improve response rates, and drive more conversions.
In this guide, you will learn how to add an SMS number to GoHighLevel for marketing.
Key Takeaways
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Why You Need a Dedicated SMS Number in GoHighLevel
Using a dedicated SMS number inside GoHighLevel is not just a technical requirement. It is a marketing advantage.
A dedicated number allows you to send and receive text messages directly through the platform. It also helps you stay compliant with industry regulations by clearly identifying your business as the sender.
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Step-by-Step Guide for Adding A SMS Number to GoHighLevel for Marketing
Want to Increase Your Chances of Conversions? Using SMS is one of the most efficient ways to stay in front of your leads without getting lost in the noise.
Here is how you can add a SMS number to GoHighLevel for marketing:
Connect Your Twilio Account to GoHighLevel
Go to your GoHighLevel agency dashboard, click on Settings, then choose Twilio from the left-hand menu.
From there, enter your Twilio Account SID and Auth Token. This step is essential because Twilio is the messaging provider that powers all SMS communication inside GoHighLevel.
Purchase a SMS-Enabled Phone Number
Once Twilio is connected, you will need to purchase a phone number that supports SMS. Log in to your Twilio account and go to the “Phone Numbers” section.
Choose a number with SMS capabilities, ideally local to your target audience for better trust and deliverability.
Sync Your Number in GoHighLevel
Now that you have a Twilio number, go back to your GoHighLevel account. Under the Phone Numbers tab in the Settings area, click “Add Number.” Select the number you just bought in Twilio.
Register for A2P 10DLC Compliance
To avoid delivery issues or blocked messages, especially in the US, register your number for A2P 10DLC. This is a carrier requirement for business texting.
Inside Twilio, you can complete the registration by submitting your business information, use case, and campaign type. Approval may take a few days, but it is necessary to ensure high deliverability and compliance.
Test Your SMS Number
Before launching full campaigns, always test your number. Send a manual SMS from inside GoHighLevel to your own phone. Make sure the message looks professional.
Pro Tip
Try two versions of your message with different hooks, CTAs, or send times. Even small tweaks (like using a question vs a statement) can double your conversion rate.
Creating SMS Campaigns Inside GoHighLevel
Creating SMS campaigns in GoHighLevel is simple once your number is active. Just follow these steps:
Go to the Workflows
Navigate to the Workflows tab in your sub-account. Click Create Workflow, and choose “Start from Scratch” or use a template if you have one.
Set Your Trigger
Then set your trigger. This could be a form submission, a tag applied, a pipeline stage change, or even a booked appointment.
Add A SMS Step
Click the + icon and select the Send SMS action. In the message box, write your text. Keep it short, clear, and action-oriented. You can use dynamic fields like {contact.first_name} to personalize the message.
For example: “Hey {contact.first_name}, thanks for reaching out – want to hop on a quick call this week to talk through next steps?”
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Add Delay Time (Optional)
Add delays or conditions if you want to space messages out or trigger different responses based on contact behavior.
You can also combine SMS with email, calls, or task creation for a more advanced automation.
Publish and Test
Once your SMS campaign is built, hit Publish. Then run a quick test using a dummy contact or your own phone number to make sure the SMS sends properly. Check for deliverability, formatting, and timing.
Pro Tip
Set up keywords like YES, INFO, or DEMO inside your workflows. When someone replies with that word, you can trigger the next step automatically like sending a calendar link or tagging the contact.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding a SMS Number to GoHighLevel
Even though setting up SMS in GoHighLevel is pretty straightforward, there are a few mistakes that can quietly break your campaigns. Or worse, get your number flagged.
Skipping A2P 10DLC Registration
If you are using a local number for marketing and have not registered it under A2P 10DLC, your messages might get blocked or fail to deliver. Carriers now require this step to reduce spam and protect consumers. It is not optional anymore.
Not Assigning Your Twilio Number
Just buying a number in Twilio is not enough. You need to assign it inside your GoHighLevel account. Either at the agency or location level. If you skip this, your SMS steps will not send anything.
Sending Messages at the Wrong Time
Texting too early in the morning or late at night can annoy your leads and cause opt-outs. Always consider your audience’s time zone and stick to business hours. Better timing means better response rates.
Overloading Contacts With Too Many Texts
No one wants to be bombarded. If you send messages too frequently, people will either stop reading or unsubscribe. Add a delay time between messages, especially in follow-up sequences or drip campaigns.
